A scenario-based learning strategy for constructing the concepts of biological classification and marine biodiversity in a teacher training workshop

Misconceptions in biological classification are commonly found in both children and adults. Understanding the concepts of phylogeny may facilitate the learning of biological classification. A scenario-based learning strategy is immersed into a scientific inquiry activity developed for a teacher training workshop. This teacher training workshop is a tendering service aiming to provide professional development to primary school teachers responsible for teaching the subject General Studies. An interesting scenario motivates and probes the in-service teachers to learn actively in the workshop. Concepts of phylogeny or evolution and skills of biological classification are embedded in a series of interactive learning activities. Through a scientific inquiry and ‘learning-by-doing’ approaches, learners construct the concepts though trials and practices. The concepts and skills acquired from the interactive learning session will be further consolidated through a practical session on understanding the marine biodiversity and differentiating marine creatures. The strategy and the teaching flow will be elaborated and discussed in details in the seminar.