Modeling, argumentation and knowledge transfer of preservice teachers about the immune system on a controversy about vaccination

Abstract

In this article we analyze the construction of the model of immune system, which is included in the model of living beings. 42 Elementary Preservice teachers took part in a teaching sequence based on a socioscientific controversy about vaccination. They searched for information, made decisions, constructed knowledge and transferred it. The written productions and oral discussions of the students have been analyzed. The results show that the ability for argumentation improves both in number and variety of justifications. There is evidence of the construction of the model of immune system, such as references to constituents of its structure, matter interchange and the resultant changes, specially with respect to vaccines. However, difficulties in transfer of knowledge are observed when it is far transfer.