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