As non-scientific conceptions interfere with learning processes, teachers need both, to know about them and to address them in their classrooms. For our study, based on 182 eleventh graders, we analyzed the level of conceptual understanding by implementing the "draw and write" technique during a computer-supported gene technology module. To give participants the hierarchical organizational level which they have to draw, was a specific feature of our study. We introduced two objective category systems for analyzing drawings and inscriptions. Our results indicated a long-as well as a short-term increase in the level of conceptual understanding and in the number of drawn elements and their grades concerning the DNA structure. Consequently, we regard the "draw and write" technique as a tool for a teacher to get to know students' alternative conceptions. Furthermore, our study points the modification potential of hands-on and computer-supported learning modules.

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A positive self-concept supposedly affects a student's well-being as well as his or her perception of individual competence at school. As computer-based learning is becoming increasingly important in school, a positive computer-related self-concept (CSC) might help to enhance cognitive achievement. Consequently, we focused on establishing a short, valid, and reliable instrument to measure the CSC by administering to German subsamples (N total ¼ 488) of three different age-groups: 8th (N ¼ 159), 11th graders (N ¼ 214), and university freshmen (N ¼ 115). We succeeded in developing a one-factor-instrument with good overall reliability (a total ¼ .84) and adequate criterion validity. The scale implementation revealed a high self-concept among younger respondents. Furthermore, we observed a stereotypical difference between the CSC scores for 8th and 11th graders. Finally, we discuss pedagogical and educational considerations of the scale's implementation in school.

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