Conocimientos y valoraciones de estudiantes de bachillerato sobre la utilización de aplicaciones biotecnológicas

This paper aims to show what is the knowledge and attitude of a group of students of 2nd Baccalaureate of Spain on applications in biotechnology, and more specifically, on biopharmacology. First, a quantitative study was carried out with 184 students who were given a written questionnaire in order to inquire about the knowledge and valuations of these students towards biotechnology. Secondly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subsample of the initial population participating in the study (10 students) on biopharmacology. The methodological approach carried out in the field of biotechnology education is highlighted, since the statistical analysis of the first part using the SPSS program is complemented by the subsequent coding of the interviews with Atlas.ti and its interpretation. This has allowed us to systematically reflect the criteria used by the students interviewed during the justification of their views, analyzing both content and structural aspects, and thus achieving a better understanding of the decisions that students make in relation to this Biotechnology field. In our work we found that difficulties in basic knowledge in areas such as genetics or microbiology, can make biotechnology difficult to understand. On the other hand, that students' attitudes towards applications are more favorable, in general, if they solve health problems and in research they have not required the use of animals.El aumento de la utilización de las aplicaciones de biotecnología está suponiendo una mayor presencia de la misma en los currículos de Biología en la ESO y Bachillerato y, en consecuencia, también de las investigaciones acerca de los problemas de enseñanza y aprendizaje relacionados. Así, en este trabajo se pretende mostrar cuáles son los conocimientos y las valoraciones de estudiantes de 2º de Bachillerato sobre las aplicaciones en biotecnología, y más en concreto, sobre la biofarmacología. El análisis de los cuestionarios y las entrevistas individuales han permitido reflejar los criterios que utilizan durante la justificación de sus puntos de vista, analizando aspectos tanto de contenido como de tipo estructural, para facilitar la comprensión de sus decisiones. Además, en nuestro trabajo constatamos que las dificultades sobre conocimientos básicos en áreas como la genética o la microbiología pueden dificultar la comprensión de la biotecnología. Por otra parte, nuestro alumnado se muestra más favorable hacia las aplicaciones orientadas a la resolución de problemas de salud, o las que no requieren animales en la investigación. Finalmente, consideramos conveniente la utilización en el aula de controversias sociocientíficas basadas en contextos reales para conseguir un mayor grado de implicación del alumnado en actividades de argumentación. Para ello, planteamos una propuesta didáctica, sobre la fabricación de insulina para personas diabéticas, que puede servir de referente para el profesorado de Bachillerato. Palabras clave: actitud, argumentación, Bachillerato, biofarmacología, conocimiento, formación del profesorado. Knowledge and assessments of bachelor's students on the use of biotechnological applications Abstract: The increased use of biotechnology applications is leading to a greater presence of them in Biology curricula in ESO and Baccalaureate. Consequently, it also can be found an increment in educational researches related to their teaching and learning. Thus, the aim of this work is to assess the knowledge and values of 2nd Baccalaureate students about applications in biotechnology and, specifically, about biopharmacology. The analysis of the questionnaires and the individual interviews has targeted towards both the content and the structure of the claims that students reveal. The criteria that they use during the justification of their points of view facilitate the understanding of their decisions. Furthermore, in our work we find that difficulties regarding basic knowledge in areas such as genetics or microbiology can hinder the understanding of biotechnology. On the other hand, our students are more favorable towards applications aimed at solving health problems, or those that do not require animals in research. Finally, we consider it convenient to use socio-scientific controversies based on real contexts in the classroom to achieve a greater degree of student involvement in argumentation practices. To do this, we propose a teaching activity based on the manufacture of insulin for diabetics, which can serve as a reference for teachers of Baccalaureate. Keywords: attitude, argumentattion, Baccalaureate, biopharmacology, knowledge, teacher training