Self-generated visualization (SGV) of the abstract science concept of carbon cycle: A case study of Malaysia’s pre-university students

In future the environmental consciousness of a nation’s human resource cannot be over-emphasised. This preliminary study examined Malaysia’s pre-university students’ self-generated visualization of the abstract science concept of carbon cycle. It is part of a larger study to help propose a framework for teaching and learning abstract science concepts via students’ generated mental visualization. The naturalistic qualitative approach was adopted using four students selected via purposive sampling. The instruments used to collect data comprised a visualization task of the carbon cycle concept , an interview protocol, memos and researcher’s audit trail. The data obtained was analysed using the constant comparative technique to identify the different patterns arising from the students’ visualization of the abstract concept. The results showed that the students’ visualization of the abstract science concept was based on their previous experiences and also from the learning in the classroom. The selection of key words to construct their visuals were similar with the terms used to explain the abstract science concept. Three patterns of generating visualization seemed to emerge, namely, from words to words, from pictures to words and from pictures to pictures visualization. The mental pictures that were generated and conceptualised to visuals enabled the students to understand and remember the abstract concept better.