Proposal Title

Assessing student learning following course revision

Session Type

Presentation

Room

P&A 117

Start Date

5-7-2017 2:25 PM

Keywords

assessment, concept questions, curriculum renewal, laboratory course

Primary Threads

Evaluation of Learning

Abstract

At UBC, our first-year inquiry-based biology lab ‘Investigations in the Life Sciences’ has been undergoing renewal. As part of this process, the course has become more focused on experimental design, data interpretation and scientific writing. We have designed new resources to support the large numbers of students in this course (n=1500) as they develop, implement and report on their research question. To assess the impact of these changes on students, we employed student surveys and focus groups. In addition to this, we used concept questions to monitor student learning both pre- and post-renewal, and to identify concepts that students have difficulty with. Here we share the findings from our renewal monitoring thus far. As part of this renewal process, we have reflected on which concepts and elements of basic experimental design and analysis are critical for students to experience in a first year lab course. We will seek input from audience members regarding their experience and opinions on this matter. Participants in this session will be able to critically discuss and prioritize learning outcomes for a first-year inquiry-based lab course. They will also be able to propose means of assessing student learning, following course renewal, and contribute to a discussion on interpretation of assessment data.

Elements of Engagement

The audience will:

- prepare and share a list of goals appropriate for investigative laboratories

- participate in answering and critiquing a sample of concept questions

- suggest alternative interpretations of data on student learning

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Jul 5th, 2:25 PM

Assessing student learning following course revision

P&A 117

At UBC, our first-year inquiry-based biology lab ‘Investigations in the Life Sciences’ has been undergoing renewal. As part of this process, the course has become more focused on experimental design, data interpretation and scientific writing. We have designed new resources to support the large numbers of students in this course (n=1500) as they develop, implement and report on their research question. To assess the impact of these changes on students, we employed student surveys and focus groups. In addition to this, we used concept questions to monitor student learning both pre- and post-renewal, and to identify concepts that students have difficulty with. Here we share the findings from our renewal monitoring thus far. As part of this renewal process, we have reflected on which concepts and elements of basic experimental design and analysis are critical for students to experience in a first year lab course. We will seek input from audience members regarding their experience and opinions on this matter. Participants in this session will be able to critically discuss and prioritize learning outcomes for a first-year inquiry-based lab course. They will also be able to propose means of assessing student learning, following course renewal, and contribute to a discussion on interpretation of assessment data.