Why Is Genetics so Hard to Learn? Insights from Examiner Reports for 16- to 18-Year-Olds in England

• Published in: School science review Vol. 103; no. 384; pp. 32 - 40
• Main Authors: Mussard, Jack, Reiss, Michael J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association for Science Education 01-03-2022
• Subjects: Difficulty Level; Evaluation Methods; Foreign Countries; Genetics; High School Students; Language Usage; Scientific Concepts; Secondary School Science; Student Evaluation; United Kingdom (England)
• ISSN: 0036-6811

Genetics forms a major part of A-level biology specifications in the UK for 16- to 18-yearolds. Research has identified several reasons why learning genetics is hard. However, research has not investigated whether examiner reports are useful for identifying difficult genetics concepts for students. This research explored the extent to which examiner reports are a useful tool for inferring student difficulties. A-level biology examiner reports spanning six years were analysed to identify genetics content areas that students have difficulty learning. Follow-up interviews were then conducted with a small number of students and teachers to understand why students find these content areas hard to learn. Teachers and students differed in the genetics content areas they selected as difficult, but students generally agreed with inferences from the analysis of examiner reports.