Students’ Conceptions on Human Organ Systems: The Case of University New Entrants

Abstract

The formal study of human organ systems is first introduced to learners in the 4th grade up to 6th grade. This is again taught as learners reach second year high school. This developmental study explored the conceptions of 138 university new entrants taking Biological Sciences. The respondents were asked to draw what they know their body is made up of. The drawings of the organs were analyzed according to their presence and interconnection to form an organ system. These were scored following an adopted seven-point scale. Individual interviews were conducted for verification and affirmation. Results showed that most of the respondents were able to identify two or more internal organs in appropriate positions however indicated no relationship between them. Furthermore, few respondents were able to identify 2 or 3 major organ systems. It can be noted that some respondents were rated level 2 where they were able to identify internal organs but were placed at random locations. It was observed that organs of some organ systems were almost never drawn. A variety of concepts has been found out in the study along with certain misspelled organ names, shapes and locations that need to be addressed too for a better understanding about scientific phenomena including human structure.Keywords: Biology, human organ systems, conceptions, drawing method, Leyte, Philippines