Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses

Collaborative, project-based learning models have been shown to benefit student learning and engagement in the STEM disciplines. This case study evaluates the use of highly collaborative project- and problem-based learning models in introductory courses in the geosciences and biology. In the geosci...

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Main Authors: Kristin Huysken, Harold Olivey, Kevin McElmurry, Ming Gao, Peter Avis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Indiana University Office of Scholarly Publishing 2019-02-01
Series:Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Subjects:
Online Access:https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/26777
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spelling doaj-b9fcc61d20ac4ca8956b623b2e85c7412020-11-25T03:34:08ZengIndiana University Office of Scholarly PublishingJournal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning1527-93162019-02-0119110.14434/josotl.v19i1.26777Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science CoursesKristin HuyskenHarold Olivey0Kevin McElmurry1Ming Gao2Peter Avis3Indiana University NorthwestIndiana University NorthwestIndiana University NorthwestIndiana University Northwest Collaborative, project-based learning models have been shown to benefit student learning and engagement in the STEM disciplines. This case study evaluates the use of highly collaborative project- and problem-based learning models in introductory courses in the geosciences and biology. In the geosciences, we developed project-based modules with a strong local focus. Student teams worked on three project-based laboratories dealing with the local geology/geomorphology, water quality of a local stream, and local flooding issues. These replaced traditionally taught laboratories on topographic maps and rivers and streams. Student teams presented project results in lieu of taking a traditional laboratory practical. In biology, we designed a collaborative learning model that incorporated three problem-based learning modules into a first-semester introductory biology course. Students were assigned topics in evolution, cell biology and genetics to research independently during the course of the semester, with each module culminating in a brief presentation on the topic. Modules were designed to mirror concepts being covered in the lecture. Preliminary results suggest that student performance and attitudes towards course material benefitted from this learning model. The authors consider outcomes, benefits, and challenges to students and instructors. https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/26777collaborative learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, introductory science, commuter campus, academic performance, DFW rates
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Kristin Huysken
Harold Olivey
Kevin McElmurry
Ming Gao
Peter Avis
spellingShingle Kristin Huysken
Harold Olivey
Kevin McElmurry
Ming Gao
Peter Avis
Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses
Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
collaborative learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, introductory science, commuter campus, academic performance, DFW rates
author_facet Kristin Huysken
Harold Olivey
Kevin McElmurry
Ming Gao
Peter Avis
author_sort Kristin Huysken
title Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses
title_short Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses
title_full Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses
title_fullStr Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses
title_full_unstemmed Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses
title_sort assessing collaborative, project-based learning models in introductory science courses
publisher Indiana University Office of Scholarly Publishing
series Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
issn 1527-9316
publishDate 2019-02-01
description Collaborative, project-based learning models have been shown to benefit student learning and engagement in the STEM disciplines. This case study evaluates the use of highly collaborative project- and problem-based learning models in introductory courses in the geosciences and biology. In the geosciences, we developed project-based modules with a strong local focus. Student teams worked on three project-based laboratories dealing with the local geology/geomorphology, water quality of a local stream, and local flooding issues. These replaced traditionally taught laboratories on topographic maps and rivers and streams. Student teams presented project results in lieu of taking a traditional laboratory practical. In biology, we designed a collaborative learning model that incorporated three problem-based learning modules into a first-semester introductory biology course. Students were assigned topics in evolution, cell biology and genetics to research independently during the course of the semester, with each module culminating in a brief presentation on the topic. Modules were designed to mirror concepts being covered in the lecture. Preliminary results suggest that student performance and attitudes towards course material benefitted from this learning model. The authors consider outcomes, benefits, and challenges to students and instructors.
topic collaborative learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, introductory science, commuter campus, academic performance, DFW rates
url https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/26777
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