Alternative Conceptions/Frameworks/Misconceptions

Synonyms

Alternative conceptions; Alternative conceptions movement; Alternative conceptual frameworks; Alternative frameworks; Conceptual change; Implicit knowledge elements; Intuitive theories; Knowledge in pieces; Misconceptions; Personal constructivism; P-prims; Preconceptions

There are a great many studies into learners’ ideas in science topics, focusing on learners at different levels of the education system (Duit 2009; Taber 2009). These studies reveal that learners often present ideas relating to science topics which are at odds with the target knowledge set out in the curriculum. These ideas have been described using a wide range of terms, including misconceptions, preconceptions, alternative conceptions, alternative frameworks, alternative conceptual frameworks, intuitive theories, and mini-theories. Sometimes particular authors distinguish between meanings for some of these terms, but usage varies across the literature so often the different labels are, in effect, broad...