scholarly journals Modeling in the Classroom: Making Relationships and Systems Visible

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. fe1
Author(s):  
Kristy J. Wilson ◽  
Tammy M. Long ◽  
Jennifer L. Momsen ◽  
Elena Bray Speth
Keyword(s):  
Student Development ◽  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Concept Maps ◽  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Suitable Combination ◽  
Biological Concepts ◽  
Instructional Design And Development

As an instructional tool, models can transform the student experience from the static to the dynamic, the flat to the 3D, and the siloed to the integrated. Few practical resources exist to help instructors transition toward model-based classroom practices. The Modeling in the Classroom evidence-based teaching guide provides instructors with a tool kit for incorporating models and modeling into their classrooms ( https://lse.ascb.org/evidence-based-teaching-guides/modeling-in-the-classroom ). The guide discusses the underpinnings of modeling as a core scientific practice, one that can enable student development of systems thinking skills and understanding of biological concepts. The guide describes a variety of model types, including phylogenetic trees, simulations, animations, diagrams, conceptual models, concept maps, and tactile models supported by summaries of and links to articles and resources. In this paper, we will introduce key findings describing why and how to use models in the classroom. We also describe open research questions needed to address classroom implementation, instructional design, and development of students’ knowledge and skills. It is our hope that the guide will provide a suitable combination of research-based findings and practical suggestions that instructors will be supported and encouraged to thoughtfully incorporate modeling to support learning goals.

scholarly journals Aligning Goals, Assessments, and Activities: An Approach to Teaching PCR and Gel Electrophoresis

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison R. Phillips ◽  
Amber L. Robertson ◽  
Janet Batzli ◽  
Michelle Harris ◽  
Sarah Miller
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Biological Concepts ◽  
Biology Lab

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis have become common techniques used in undergraduate molecular and cell biology labs. Although students enjoy learning these techniques, they often cannot fully comprehend and analyze the outcomes of their experiments because of a disconnect between concepts taught in lecture and experiments done in lab. Here we report the development and implementation of novel exercises that integrate the biological concepts of DNA structure and replication with the techniques of PCR and gel electrophoresis. Learning goals were defined based on concepts taught throughout the cell biology lab course and learning objectives specific to the PCR and gel electrophoresis lab. Exercises developed to promote critical thinking and target the underlying concepts of PCR, primer design, gel analysis, and troubleshooting were incorporated into an existing lab unit based on the detection of genetically modified organisms. Evaluative assessments for each exercise were aligned with the learning goals and used to measure student learning achievements. Our analysis found that the exercises were effective in enhancing student understanding of these concepts as shown by student performance across all learning goals. The new materials were particularly helpful in acquiring relevant knowledge, fostering critical-thinking skills, and uncovering prevalent misconceptions.

Genesis, essence and structure of pedagogical technology “Cooperative learning”

2021 ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
Nikita I. Khmarenko
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Education System ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Traditional Education ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
The 1960S

The emergence of pedagogical technologies and their mass introduction dates back to the 1960s. Reformation of the American and European schools was provoked by reinterpretation of the learning goals. However, the historical roots of some pedagogical technologies are much older than studies of J. Carroll and D. Bruner – renowned authorities in this area of research. One of these technologies is cooperative learning. Initially recognized as a key component of humanistic pedagogy of J. Dewey, this technology has been further developed in works of many Soviet and foreign scholars. In the 1920s, the works by J. Dewey had a serious impact on the reformation of the Soviet education system, which aimed to educate the entire population of the Soviet Union. However, for some reasons, the gradual introduction of cooperative learning into learning process took a break in the 1930s. Since the late 1990s, a serious pedagogical crisis has emerged in the Russian Federation, which cannot be mended by traditional education system; it encourages many teachers to look at the well-studied pedagogical technologies from a different perspective. Today the social order sets new requirements concerning a major breakthrough in training a person. Teamwork and analytical thinking skills, the ability to lifelong self-education and self-develop-ment require fundamental changes in the traditional education system. At the same time, for the successful implementation of pedagogical technology, it is necessary to resolve a number of issues related to the essence of the concept of cooperative learning and the definition of components. Research relevance is indicated, the historical roots and essence of the concept of pedagogical technology of cooperative learning are determined, examples of the practical application of models of this pedagogical technology are exemplified.

Enhancing students' HOTS in laboratory educational activity by using concept map as an alternative assessment tool

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 849-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. B. A. Ghani ◽  
N. H. Ibrahim ◽  
N. A. Yahaya ◽  
J. Surif
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Assessment ◽  
Concept Maps ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Concept Map ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Chemistry Laboratory ◽  
Mapping Technique ◽  
Laboratory Learning

Educational transformation in the 21st century demands in-depth knowledge and understanding in order to promote the development of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). However, the most commonly reported problem with respect to developing a knowledge of chemistry is poor mastery of basic concepts. Chemistry laboratory educational activities are shown to be less effective in developing an optimum conceptual understanding and HOTS among students. One factor is a lack of effective assessment and evaluation tools. Therefore, the primary focus of this study is to explore concept maps as an assessment tool in order to move students' thinking skills to a higher level during laboratory learning activities. An embedded mixed method design is used in this study, which has also employed a pre-experimental research design. This design triangulates quantitative and qualitative data, which are combined to strengthen the findings. A low-directed concept mapping technique, convergence scoring method, and pre-post laboratory concept map were used in this study. An electrolysis HOTS test was used as the research instrument in order to measure the level of student achievement with respect to high-level questions. In addition, the thought process that is involved when students construct concept maps has been explored and studied in detail by utilising a think-aloud protocol. Results showed a positive development towards understanding and higher level thinking skills in students with respect to electrolysis concepts learned through chemistry laboratory activities. An investigation of the students' thinking processes showed that high-achieving students were more capable of giving a content-based explanation of electrolysis and engaged in monitoring activities more often while building a concept map. Nonetheless, all categories of students managed to show a positive increase in the activities of explanation and monitoring during the construction of concept maps after they were exposed to the assessment tool in the laboratory learning activities. In conclusion, the assessment activity using concept maps in laboratory learning activities has a positive impact on students' understanding and stimulates students to increase their HOTS.

scholarly journals Reflections: The Responsibility of Doctoral Nurses to Lead a Change in Practice

Aquichan ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A Rosser
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Change ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
New Ways Of Working ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care

This paper aims to consider the responsibilities of doctoral nurses to lead changes in practice through a very personal reflection of over 52 years in nursing. The reflective learning moves from an early training experience where I learned to ‘do’ to becoming a nursing professor with a doctoral qualification and an ‘evidence-based doer.’ The change witnessed has been considerable. As the highest educated professional, I have learned that doctoral nurses are responsible for leading and directly influencing clinical practice, either as a practitioner, an educator, or a researcher. They are capable of encouraging the development of critical thinking skills and helping practitioners to be curious, take risks with ideas, identify gaps in the evidence base, and be creative in their problem-solving. If the strategic vision for nurses globally is to provide the best quality of patient care, then evidence-based practice is key to leading from the head, hand, and heart. Doctoral nurses understand the patient benefits of a high staff-to-patient ratio and having a critical mass of university qualified nurses and must strive to influence policy to this effect. As each country, particularly in Latin America, develops a critical mass of doctorally qualified nurses, then they can harness their innovation, create new ways of working, attract them back into practice, and strengthen their political voice to lead strategic change. Doctoral nurses must develop their leadership skills and their confidence to lead. They have a responsibility to realise their potential and identify the opportunities to really make a difference.

scholarly journals The development and evaluation of an online educational tool for the evidence-based management of neck pain by chiropractic teaching faculty

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Verville ◽  
Pierre Côté DC ◽  
Diane Grondin ◽  
Silvano Mior DC ◽  
Robin Kay
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Clinical Practice Guideline ◽  
Practice Guideline ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Learning Tool

Objective To develop an online, interactive educational tool to deliver an evidence-based clinical practice guideline to faculty members at a Canadian chiropractic college. Second, to evaluate the learning, design, and engagement constructs of the tool in a sample of chiropractic faculty members. Methods Using an integrated knowledge translation methodology and the Knowledge to Action Framework, we developed an evidence-based online learning tool. The context of the tool focused on a clinical practice guideline on the management of neck pain. We evaluated the learning, design, and engagement constructs in a sample of faculty members and residents using the Learning Object Evaluation Scale for Students. Participants were also asked to provide suggestions for improvement of the tool. Results Sixteen participants completed the evaluation. Most (68.8%) participants were chiropractors, 75% were male and 56% were between the ages of 25 and 44 years. At least 75% of participants agreed that the learning, design, and engagement constructs of the learning tool were adequate. The open-ended suggestions unveiled 3 pedagogical themes, relating to multimedia, thinking skills, and learner control, within the tool that could benefit from further development. These themes informed recommendations to improve the tool. Conclusion Our online, interactive, module-based learning tool has sound pedagogical properties. Further research is needed to determine if its use is associated with a change in knowledge.

scholarly journals Development and validation of a critical thinking framework

SURG Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paisley Worthington
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Higher Order Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Higher Order Thinking Skills ◽  
Development And Validation

Critical thinking (CT) is essential in many higher-order thinking skills and should be enhanced by higher education programs. The Model of Integrated Thinking Skills (MITS) was developed to help students developing CT, assist educators teaching CT, and satisfy the following three criteria: 1) completely and objectively describe CT, 2) distinguish CT from other skills, and 3) be used by all disciplines.  A validation survey determined how MITS is perceived with respect to the three criteria.  Most participants perceived that MITS meets the three criteria, suggesting that MITS can assist student development of CT.

scholarly journals A Concept Map of Evolutionary Biology to Promote Meaningful Learning in Biology

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
María José Apodaca ◽  
Joseph D. McInerney ◽  
Osvaldo E. Sala ◽  
Liliana Katinas ◽  
Jorge V. Crisci
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Concept Maps ◽  
Concept Map ◽  
Cognitive Structure ◽  
Biological Evolution ◽  
Meaningful Learning ◽  
Evolutionary Context ◽  
Biological Concepts ◽  
The Subject

Is it possible to teach biology without mentioning evolution? The answer is yes, but it is not possible for students to understand biology without the evolutionary context on which the meaning and intellectual value of biological concepts depend. Meaningful learning of evolution requires (1) that the students incorporate new knowledge into a cognitive structure linked with higher-order concepts; (2) a well-organized knowledge structure; and (3) a positive emotional attachment and identification (affective commitment) to the subject by the learner. Concept maps are useful tools in meaningful learning. We present a concept map that organizes concepts of history of life and the processes that generate it, and the hierarchical relationships among them. Biological evolution is a compelling account of life on Earth and of human origins. It constitutes a unifying explanatory framework that can generate a powerful affective commitment to the subject. The concept map provided here is tied to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Transition to ePortfolios

2011 ◽  
pp. 460-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Hickerson ◽  
Marlene Preston
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Freshman Year

This project focused on student development in the freshman year as displayed in students’ ePortfolios. The experimental design allowed analysis of student attitudes about ePortfolios with results that may be useful to faculty and students at other institutions. Researchers found that careful alignment of an ePortfolio with the learning goals of a course can help students to adapt easily to the new technology and recognize it as a useful academic tool.

scholarly journals Conversations on Critical Thinking: Can Critical Thinking Find Its Way Forward as the Skill Set and Mindset of the Century?

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Sellars ◽  
Razia Fakirmohammad ◽  
Linh Bui ◽  
John Fishetti ◽  
Sarfaroz Niyozov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Academic Experiences ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Making Meaning ◽  
Global Citizens ◽  
Potential Development ◽  
The Status ◽  
Evaluative Thinking

The capacity to successfully, positively engage with the cognitive capacities of critical thinking has become the benchmark of employability for many diverse industries across the globe and is considered critical for the development of informed, decisive global citizenship. Despite this, education systems in several countries have developed policies and practices that limit the opportunities for students to authentically participate in the discussions, debates, and evaluative thinking that serve to develop the skill set and mindset of critical thinkers. This writing examines the status of critical thinking in four different contexts across the globe as reflected in educational policies and academic experiences as a preface to investigating actual classroom practices and possible impacts the support of critical thinking skills may have on the potential development of the global citizens of the future. Each vignette reflects the contextualized difficulties that are presented by social and cultural concerns and traditions of making meaning. These stories of education also illustrate the various ways in which the skills and capacities of critical thinking are interpreted in different contexts and address the negative nuances with which thinking critically has become associated. Finally, a pedagogical model of teaching, which may support student development of the skill set of critical thinking within the boundaries of social and cultural mindsets, has been developed.

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