News and events - Didactics of Biology

What is artificial intelligence? How can we use AI as a valuable aid for biological topics in everyday school life? How can we work on projects and generate good texts and images? And what does AI have to do with organ transplants? The new issue of Unterricht Biologie, which was edited by Dr. Marit Kastaun and in which other members of our department were involved, deals with these topics. Link: www.friedrich-verlag.de/friedrich-plus/sekundarstufe/biologie/unterricht-biologie/kunstliche-intelligenz-6635

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On 03.11.2025, the Didactics of Biology is organizing a training day for teachers on the topic of evolution. Please see the flyer for more information.

The international conference of the European Science Education Research Association (ESERA) took place in Copenhagen from August 25 to 29. Substitute Prof. Dr. Katharina Düsing presented her papers "Using videos to open scientific research processes: Effects of communicating procedural and epistemic knowledge and thinking processes of scientists" and "Exploring teachers' perspectives on the relationship between core concepts and systems thinking in biology education". Dr. Tim Hartelt moderated a symposium on "Metacognition about intuitive thinking and language in science education" and also addressed the question "Self-assessments - A strategy to develop students' metacognitive awareness of their intuitive and scientific conceptions?" in a presentation. Betina Cupo, who completed a research stay in Kassel as a doctoral student at the University of Buenos Aires, presented a lecture on "A possible progression hypothesis for metacognitive vigilance of intuitive teleological thinking in learning Natural Selection" at the same symposium. Furthermore, Dr. Tim Hartelt presented a poster on "Investigating the potential of using a Large Language Model to assess students' scientific explanations." Joelina Henniges, who has just completed her studies at the University of Kassel, presented results from her state examination thesis on "Dealing with heterogeneity regarding students' alternative conceptions." The conference was a complete success for all participants with exciting discussions!

Joelina Henniges präsentiert ihr Poster auf der ESERA-Konferenz

My name is Betina Cupo, I am from Argentina, and I am currently pursuing my PhD studies at the University of Buenos Aires. My research focuses on the teaching and learning of evolution by natural selection in secondary school students. Specifically, I aim to characterize the learning process in this topic when metacognitive reflection on teleology is encouraged-teleology being a cognitive bias that shapes how students understand natural selection.

I had the valuable opportunity to carry out an academic stay at the University of Kassel, which allowed me to share the progress of my research with experienced colleagues working on closely related topics. I received insightful feedback, suggestions, and stimulating exchanges of ideas that proved to be highly beneficial for my academic and professional development as both a researcher and a teacher. I was able not only to share my ideas in group meetings but also to engage in enriching one-on-one discussions with Prof. Dr. Helge Martens and Dr. Tim Hartelt, whose feedback was particularly meaningful.

In addition, I had the chance to talk with secondary school teachers, who provided me with a better understanding of the German educational context. Thanks to them, I was even able to attend a class, which gave me valuable insights for rethinking certain aspects of my own teaching practice.

Beyond the academic and professional aspects, I would also like to highlight the warm welcome I received from the entire community of the University of Kassel. I truly enjoyed the city, explored its attractions, and met many kind and fun people.

I am deeply grateful to the Biology Education research group at the University of Kassel. I am confident that we will continue to stay in touch, building fruitful academic collaborations, and of course, I look forward to the day when they can visit us in Argentina.