Post on 18-Dec-2015
Charlotte BorgesonUniversity of Nevada, Reno
Non majors introductory biology
240 students/semester
Research question
What is the effect of a structured (case-based) strategy versus a less structured
active learning strategy on student learning?
Research Design: pt ALess Structured More Structured
2-4 clicker questions, some in class group work, lecture
• 2 m: Clicker: Review question
• 30 m: Lecture
• 2 m: Clicker (group think)
• 30 m: Lecture
• 2 m: Clicker
• 10 m: Wind up
Cases, clickers, group work, mini lectures
• 10 m: Mini-lecture
• 10 m: Case
• 20 m: Group work
• 10 m: Report
• 2 m: Clicker
• 15 m: Final Discussion
Research Design: pt ALess Structured More Structured
2-4 clicker questions, some in class group work, lecture
• 2 m: Clicker: Review question
• 30 m: Lecture
• 2 m: Clicker (group think)
• 30 m: Lecture
• 2 m: Clicker
• 10 m: Wind up
Cases, clickers, group work, mini lectures
• 10 m: Mini-lecture
• 10 m: Case
• 20 m: Group work
• 10 m: Report
• 2 m: Clicker
• 15 m: Final Discussion
Research Design, pt B
Term Demo
Cell Exam 1
DNA Exam 2
Evol Exam 3
Ecol Final
Fall GPA, etc
Less * More * Less * More *
Spring
More * Less * More * Less *
Fall More * Less * More * Less *
Implementation of Strategies
* All exams are the same or isomorphic for each module
Data Collection
•Entering demographics
•Exam performance
•Bloom exam: performance and Bloom’s level
•Focus groups