scholarly journals Toward University Modeling Instruction—Biology: Adapting Curricular Frameworks from Physics to Biology

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Manthey ◽  
Eric Brewe
Keyword(s):  
Physics Education ◽  
Scientific Models ◽  
Introductory Biology ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Physics Courses ◽  
Modeling Instruction ◽  
Ongoing Work ◽  
Course Sequence ◽  
Introductory Biology Course ◽  
Models And Modeling

University Modeling Instruction (UMI) is an approach to curriculum and pedagogy that focuses instruction on engaging students in building, validating, and deploying scientific models. Modeling Instruction has been successfully implemented in both high school and university physics courses. Studies within the physics education research (PER) community have identified UMI's positive impacts on learning gains, equity, attitudinal shifts, and self-efficacy. While the success of this pedagogical approach has been recognized within the physics community, the use of models and modeling practices is still being developed for biology. Drawing from the existing research on UMI in physics, we describe the theoretical foundations of UMI and how UMI can be adapted to include an emphasis on models and modeling for undergraduate introductory biology courses. In particular, we discuss our ongoing work to develop a framework for the first semester of a two-semester introductory biology course sequence by identifying the essential basic models for an introductory biology course sequence.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Outcomes of a Peer-Mentoring Program for Students Transitioning to Postsecondary Education

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Goff
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Introductory Biology ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Program Selection ◽  
Survey Participation ◽  
Introductory Biology Course ◽  
Oriented Approach

A peer-mentoring program was developed for students in an introductory biology course at a university in Ontario, Canada. Students could attend up to five peer-mentoring sessions during their first semester. Quantitative-survey, participation, and academic data spanning from 2003 through 2007 were reviewed for the purpose of evaluating the program. An objectives-oriented approach was used to determine if the program was meeting its goals to improve students’ introductory biology grades, facilitate transitioning experiences, and encourage students to pursue studies in biology. Data analysis revealed that students who participated in the program felt that it was a valuable experience. Students attending three or more sessions performed significantly better in their introductory biology courses, measured by final grades achieved, than those attending fewer sessions. There were no indications that the peer-mentoring program had any impact on students’ perceptions of transitioning to university or on their program selection preferences. Recommendations are made to improve the peer-mentoring program to better align its components and objectives. Un programme de mentorat par les pairs destiné aux étudiants qui suivent un cours d'introduction à la biologie a été implanter dans un université situé dans la province de l’Ontario. Les étudiants avaient accès à cinq séances de mentorat par les pairs au cours du premier semestre. Afin d’évaluer le programme, les chercheurs ont effectué des sondages quantitatifs, examiné la participation et les notes des étudiants entre 2003 et 2007. Ils ont utilisé une méthode axée sur les objectifs afin de déterminer si le programme atteignait ses objectifs qui consistaient à améliorer les notes des étudiants au cours d’introduction à la biologie, à faciliter leur transition et à les encourager à poursuivre des études en biologie. L'analyse des données révèle que les étudiants qui ont participé au programme de mentorat, l’ont trouvé utile. Les notes des étudiants qui ont participé à trois ou quatre séances étaient considérablement plus élevées que celles de ceux qui ont assisté à moins de séances. Rien n’indique que le programme de mentorat par les pairs influe sur la perception des étudiants en ce qui a trait à la transition vers l’université ni sur leurs préférences en matière de choix de programmes. Les chercheurs recommandent d’améliorer le programme de mentorat afin de mieux harmoniser ses composantes et ses objectifs.

Identifikasi Miskonsepsi dan Tingkat Pemahaman Mahasiswa Tadris Fisika pada Materi Listrik Dinamis Menggunakan 3-Tier Diagnostic Test

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Lalu A. Didik ◽  
Muh. Wahyudi ◽  
Muhammad Kafrawi
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Physics Education ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Full Understanding ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Electric Voltage ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Physics Courses ◽  
Basic Physics ◽  
Level Of Understanding

This study aims to determine the misconceptions and level of understanding of physics education students on dynamic electricity. The method used is descriptive quantitative research methods. The research sample was 33 students of the tadris physics study program who are currently taking basic physics courses 2 even semester 2019/2020. Data collection used a 3-tier diagnostic test. In the concept of current and electric voltage, students who are included in the full understanding category are 26% and 29% understand partially with the low category and the level of misconception reaches 45%. In the concept of ohm law and electrical resistance, it was found that students with a full understanding level of 23% and partially understanding 14% were in the low category and the level of student misconception showed the largest percentage, namely 63% with the high category. In the concept of electrical circuits, students with a full understanding level of 29% and partially understanding 50% and included in the medium category with student misconceptions showed the smallest percentage was 21% with the low category. As a whole, it shows that the average level of students' understanding and misconceptions on dynamic electricity material is still low with a percentage of 26% and partial understanding is moderate with a percentage of 31% and a misconception of 43% with a moderate category. Keywords: Misconception, level of undertanding, 3-tier diagnostic, electricicity.ABSTRAK.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui miskonsepsi dan tingkat pemahaman mahasiswa tadris fisika pada materi listrik dinamis. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian adalah 33 orang mahasiswa program studi tadris fisika yang sedang menempuh mata kuliah fisika dasar 2 semester genap 2019/2020. Pengumpulan data menggunakan 3-tier diagnostic test. Pada konsep arus dan tegangan listrik, mahasiswa yang termasuk dalam kategori pemahaman penuh sebesar 26% dan paham sebagian sebesar 29% dengan kategori rendah dan tingkat miskonsepsi mencapai 45%. Pada konsep hukum ohm dan hambatan listrik didapatkan bahwa mahasiswa dengan tingkat pemahaman penuh sebesar 23% dan paham sebagian 14% dengan kategori rendah dan tingkat miskonsepsi mahasiswa menunjukkan persentase paling besar yaitu sebesar 63% dengan kategori tinggi. Pada konsep rangkaian listrik, mahasiswa dengan tingkat pemahaman penuh 29%, paham sebagian 50% dengan kategori sedang serta miskonsepsi mahasiswa menunjukkan persentase paling kecil yaitu 21% dengan kategori rendah. Secara kesuluruhan rata-rata tingkat pemahaman dan miskonsepsi mahasiswa pada materi listrik dinamis masih tergolong rendah dengan persentase sebesar 26% dan paham sebagian tergolong sedang dengan persentase 31% dan miskonsepsi sebesar 43% dengan kategori sedang.Kata kunci: miskonsepsi, tingkat pemahaman, 3-tier diagnostic, listrik dinamis

scholarly journals Writing Assignments with a Metacognitive Component Enhance Learning in a Large Introductory Biology Course

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Mynlieff ◽  
Anita L. Manogaran ◽  
Martin St. Maurice ◽  
Thomas J. Eddinger
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Introductory Biology ◽  
Act Scores ◽  
Writing Assignments ◽  
Traditional Lecture ◽  
Calibrated Peer Review ◽  
Written Recall ◽  
Introductory Biology Course ◽  
Retention Of Knowledge ◽  
Improve Student Learning

Writing assignments, including note taking and written recall, should enhance retention of knowledge, whereas analytical writing tasks with metacognitive aspects should enhance higher-order thinking. In this study, we assessed how certain writing-intensive “interventions,” such as written exam corrections and peer-reviewed writing assignments using Calibrated Peer Review and including a metacognitive component, improve student learning. We designed and tested the possible benefits of these approaches using control and experimental variables across and between our three-section introductory biology course. Based on assessment, students who corrected exam questions showed significant improvement on postexam assessment compared with their nonparticipating peers. Differences were also observed between students participating in written and discussion-based exercises. Students with low ACT scores benefited equally from written and discussion-based exam corrections, whereas students with midrange to high ACT scores benefited more from written than discussion-based exam corrections. Students scored higher on topics learned via peer-reviewed writing assignments relative to learning in an active classroom discussion or traditional lecture. However, students with low ACT scores (17–23) did not show the same benefit from peer-reviewed written essays as the other students. These changes offer significant student learning benefits with minimal additional effort by the instructors.

A Mixed Exam Format Closes the Gap for Students with a Conflict between Their Religious Belief & the Theory of Evolution

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin F. Stanger-Hall ◽  
Julianne A. Wenner
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Religious Belief ◽  
Religious Conflict ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Introductory Biology ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Constructed Response ◽  
Theory Of Evolution ◽  
Acceptance Of Evolution ◽  
Introductory Biology Course

We assessed the performance of students with a self-reported conflict between their religious belief and the theory of evolution in two sections of a large introductory biology course (N = 373 students). Student performance was measured through pretest and posttest evolution essays and multiple-choice (MC) questions (evolution-related and non-evolution-related questions) on the final exam and posttest. The two class sections differed only in exam format: MC with or without constructed-response (CR) questions. Although students with a reported conflict scored significantly lower on the final exam in the MC-only section, they scored equally well in the MC+CR section, and all students in the MC+CR section performed significantly better overall. As a result, (1) a religious conflict with evolution can be negatively associated with student achievement in introductory biology, but (2) assessment with constructed response was associated with a closed performance gap between students with and without a conflict. We suggest that differences in exam format and focus on student acceptance of evolution (either evidence-based or opinion), rather than reported conflict, may contribute to the inconsistencies in student learning of evolution across research studies, and that CR questions may help students overcome other obstacles to learning evolution.

scholarly journals How Should I Study for the Exam? Self-Regulated Learning Strategies and Achievement in Introductory Biology

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. ar30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Sebesta ◽  
Elena Bray Speth
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Study Strategies ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Introductory Biology ◽  
Pedagogical Tools ◽  
Science Courses ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
Introductory Biology Course ◽  
Cognitive And Metacognitive Strategies

In college introductory science courses, students are challenged with mastering large amounts of disciplinary content while developing as autonomous and effective learners. Self-regulated learning (SRL) is the process of setting learning goals, monitoring progress toward them, and applying appropriate study strategies. SRL characterizes successful, “expert” learners, and develops with time and practice. In a large, undergraduate introductory biology course, we investigated: 1) what SRL strategies students reported using the most when studying for exams, 2) which strategies were associated with higher achievement and with grade improvement on exams, and 3) what study approaches students proposed to use for future exams. Higher-achieving students, and students whose exam grades improved in the first half of the semester, reported using specific cognitive and metacognitive strategies significantly more frequently than their lower-achieving peers. Lower-achieving students more frequently reported that they did not implement their planned strategies or, if they did, still did not improve their outcomes. These results suggest that many students entering introductory biology have limited knowledge of SRL strategies and/or limited ability to implement them, which can impact their achievement. Course-specific interventions that promote SRL development should be considered as integral pedagogical tools, aimed at fostering development of students’ lifelong learning skills.

scholarly journals Students' Perceptions of Mathematical Physics E-Module on Multiple Integral Material

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 531
Author(s):  
Astalini Astalini ◽  
Darmaji Darmaji ◽  
Dwi Agus Kurniawan ◽  
Diki Chen
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Physics Education ◽  
Student Perception ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Multiple Integral ◽  
Mathematical Physics ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Physics Courses ◽  
Difficult Subject

Mathematical physics is often considered a very difficult subject to study, one of the reasons that makes this happen is the lack of learning media that supports students. In addition, most of the existing media are in foreign languages, so in this case we need an Indonesian language learning media, namely the mathematical physics e-module on dual integral material. This study aims to see the level of students' perceptions of the mathematics physics e-module on the dual integral material that has been made. The approach of this study uses a mixed method with an explanatory model. The sampling technique in this research was purposive sampling with 68 research subjects active physics education students who contracted Mathematics Physics courses. The instrument used in this study was a student perception questionnaire with 15 questions and an interview sheet with 10 questions.. The data analysis used in this research is descriptive statistics. The results of physics education students' perceptions of the mathematics physics e-module of multiple internal material were categorized as good with a percentage of 66.17% and in the very good category with a percentage of 33.83%. From the results it can be seen that the mathematical physics e-module on dual integral material can support the learning process and increase student motivation.

scholarly journals Value-added model of basic mathematics-physics training in engineering students

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 528-536
Author(s):  
Henry de Jesús Gallardo Pérez ◽  
Mawency Vergel Ortega ◽  
Marling Carolina Cordero Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Physics Courses ◽  
The University

The added value in education refers to the contribution that the educational institution effectively makes to student learning, expressed as the growth in knowledge, skills and abilities, in a period of time, as a result of their educational experience. The objective of the research is to determine the added value of the academic work of the Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander in the development of physical- mathematical thinking in engineering students and the estimation of a mathematical model that allows its valuation. In model allows analyzing the trajectory of the group of engineering students who entered in the first semester of 2018 and involves endogenous and exogenous variables associated with the process. The research is framed in the quantitative paradigm, descriptive, multivariate and correlational. We work with two types of data, the secondary data are constituted by the students’ grades in 2018 and 2019, this information may present biases because they are different courses with different teachers, however, it allows to see the evolution of students in calculus, statistics and physics courses. Primary data were obtained from a test applied in 2018 and a similar test applied in 2019, graded using item response theory. Results were compared and differences were evaluated to estimate the contribution effectively made by the university.   

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