Friends or Foes? Microorganisms in Greek School Textbooks

A thorough understanding of microorganisms is considered essential in order for students to understand their importance in biological systems and increasing use in industry and technology. However, research shows that the majority of students conceptualize them solely as dangerous and harmful. It has been argued that education should emphasize the importance that microorganisms have in human lives; a conceptual change to the representation of microorganisms that integrates their diversity and beneficial contributions seems an essential goal for science education. Considering the fact that science textbooks determine largely what is learned about science in the classroom, we explored Greek science textbooks in regard to the representation of microorganisms. Eight textbooks currently in use were investigated. Paragraphs mentioning microbes or microorganisms (187) were coded by both authors in mutually exclusive categories with satisfactory inter-rater agreement. Analysis of results shows that (a) in most cases microorganisms are mentioned in relation to health, and (b) the instances where microorganisms are presented in negative ways (i.e. as pathogens for humans and other organisms) are more than the instances where microorganisms are presented in positive ways (i.e. as part of the human microbiome or having a role in beneficial applications and procedures). Relevant literature and possible implications are discussed.