Increasing Conceptual Understanding of Glycolysis & the Krebs Cycle Using Role-Play (Inquiry & INVESTIGATION‪)‬

Role-play is one way to give students a visual overview of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, with the aim of helping them construct their own mental images. Students have reported that this technique has made it easier for them to understand the detailed biochemical reactions in their subsequent private study. The strategy of a choreographed dance as described in this article could also be considered a blueprint for teachers if they wish to construct a similar activity in a different topic which may be more relevant to their own students. Cellular respiration and metabolism are topics that are reportedly poorly understood by students and judged to be difficult by many teachers (Songer & Mintzes, 1994). Although these topics may not be required learning areas in some high school biology curricula, a grasp of fundamental concepts of cellular metabolic processes is advantageous for students undertaking (or intending to undertake) college-level studies in any biology-related course.