Experiments on the upswing – how practical examination tasks improve biology teaching

Abstract

In order to be able to address scientific propaedeutic skills in a more differentiated way in the Abitur examination, experimental tasks have been a fixed component of the Abitur examinations in biology since 2022. Our observations show that students can confidently carry out and interpret selfplanned experiments under examination conditions. Nevertheless, there is potential for development to remedy deficits in the consideration of the structure of variables or the discussion of errors. On the one hand, identifying, documenting and evaluating practical activities in an examination is a logistical challenge for teachers. On the other hand, younger teachers in particular state that they were insufficiently introduced to typical subject-specific working methods during their studies. On the whole, the expansion of the examination format helps to ensure that subject-specific ways of thinking and working will take on greater importance in lessons again.