Abstract
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INVESTIGATION OF ALTERNATIVECONCEPTIONS IN SCIENCE CLASSES: A THEORETICAL APPROACH
Developing understanding in science classes is one of the basic components of
producing scientifically literate society of the future. In this article, the requirement of the
study of alternative conceptions, which are introduced as one of the most important barriers
in developing understanding in science, are described through with historical developments
of their underlying theoretical details. Then, the terminology used by the researchers, who
study students’ conceptual understanding, for defining students’ alternative ideas is
discussed. Finally, the importance of eliciting students’ ideas for science education and
science education researches is outlined.
Keywords
Misconception, Science Classes, Theoretıcal Approach
