Biology in Context

This volume presents the empirical findings of 31 original studies in biology education with extended discussions of the implications for classroom practice. The studies addressed the following issues: student conceptions and conceptual change; student interest and motivation; student values, attitudes and decision-making; student reasoning, scientific thinking and argumentation; teaching strategies, teaching environments and educational technology; health education; social, cultural and gender issues; practical work and field work. The studies were presented at the sixth biennial conference of ERIDOB - European Researchers in Didactics of Biology - at the Institute of Education, University of London in September 2006. In an introductory chapter in this volume Randal Keynes, British author and great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin, addresses the relationships between the ERIDOB research strands and Charles Darwin. His historical contextualisation of research in biology education is inspiring because it challenges the community of biology teachers, researchers and educators to continue the fascinating but difficult endeavour to improve pupil's interest in biology and their understanding of biological issues in modern society.