Isolation of yeasts from different fruits and students’ opinion about microorganisms: Inquiry-based Learning

ABSTRACT

Background

Microorganisms are living things that may be found everywhere in nature. Microorganisms are commonly perceived as dangerous and harmful creatures by society. But they have many benefits for people and the continuity of the ecosystem. The most crucial function of microorganisms in nature is to play a vital role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients.

Purpose

This practical activity based on guided inquiry was designed to observe the beneficial aspects of microorganisms, and to reveal effect of activity on students’ opinion about microorganisms.

Sample

Grade 12 high school students.

Design and methods

Data were collected from 69 students-theoretical (N = 38) and practical groups (N = 31). Knowledge scale, opinion scale, and open-ended questions were used in the pre- and post-test tests.

Results

The terms pathogen, illness, and harmful are the most commonly used terms to describe microorganisms in both theoretical and practical groups. There was an increase in the willingness of the students in the practical group to participate again in an activity related to microorganisms. But the majority of them still identified microorganisms with concepts such as pathogen, illness, harmful, and danger (10.84 to 21.69%). It was determined that students have limited knowledge about disinfection and sterilization. Research findings showed that statistical difference was found in terms of knowledge and opinion about microorganisms.

Conclusion

Students’ direct interaction with microorganisms, experiencing all the stages from nature to the laboratory as a scientist and testing their properties in a controlled manner contributed to the development of positive perceptions about microorganisms.

KEYWORDS:

• Guided inquiry
• microorganisms
• hands-on activity
• practical methodology
• fermentation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).