Using the structure-behavior-function model in conjunction with augmented reality helps students understand the...

Area of Science:

• Science Education
• Biology Education
• Human Anatomy and Physiology

Background:

• Understanding complex biological systems like the circulatory system is crucial for secondary students.
• The structure-behavior-function (SBF) framework provides a robust model for assessing systemic comprehension.
• Traditional textbook-based learning may not fully engage students with intricate physiological concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) in enhancing lower secondary students' understanding of the circulatory system.
• To compare the impact of AR-integrated learning versus traditional textbook-based instruction on student knowledge.
• To assess student comprehension through the lens of the structure-behavior-function (SBF) framework.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design comparing two groups of lower secondary students.
• One group received instruction using a biology textbook supplemented with AR technology.
• The other group used only a traditional biology textbook; data analyzed using the SBF framework.

Main Results:

• Both teaching approaches led to improved understanding of the circulatory system.
• Students utilizing AR-supported materials demonstrated statistically significant greater improvements in knowledge.
• Enhanced understanding was observed across all three dimensions of the SBF framework: structure, behavior, and function.

Conclusions:

• Augmented reality (AR) is an effective tool for improving secondary students' grasp of the circulatory system's complexity.
• AR-enhanced learning provides superior gains in biological system comprehension compared to textbook-only methods.
• The SBF framework effectively measures the impact of pedagogical interventions on systemic understanding.