Integrating Disciplines in a Plant Chemistry Laboratory Module to Enhance Interdisciplinary and Scientific Thinking in Undergraduate Students

Author(s):  
Lucas Busta ◽  
Sabrina E. Russo

Here, we describe a hands-on medicinal plant chemistry laboratory module (Phytochemical Laboratory Activities for iNtegrative Thinking and Enhanced Competencies; PLANTEC) for undergraduates that targets the development of core competencies in (i) critical thinking and analysis of text and data, (ii) interdisciplinary and systems thinking, (iii) oral and written communication of science, and (iv) teamwork and collaboration.<br>

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Busta ◽  
Sabrina E. Russo

Here, we describe a hands-on medicinal plant chemistry laboratory module (Phytochemical Laboratory Activities for iNtegrative Thinking and Enhanced Competencies; PLANTEC) for undergraduates that targets the development of core competencies in (i) critical thinking and analysis of text and data, (ii) interdisciplinary and systems thinking, (iii) oral and written communication of science, and (iv) teamwork and collaboration.<br>


2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Zimbardi ◽  
Andrea Bugarcic ◽  
Kay Colthorpe ◽  
Jonathan P. Good ◽  
Lesley J. Lluka

Science graduates require critical thinking skills to deal with the complex problems they will face in their 21st century workplaces. Inquiry-based curricula can provide students with the opportunities to develop such critical thinking skills; however, evidence suggests that an inappropriate level of autonomy provided to underprepared students may not only be daunting to students but also detrimental to their learning. After a major review of the Bachelor of Science, we developed, implemented, and evaluated a series of three vertically integrated courses with inquiry-style laboratory practicals for early-stage undergraduate students in biomedical science. These practical curricula were designed so that students would work with increasing autonomy and ownership of their research projects to develop increasingly advanced scientific thinking and communication skills. Students undertaking the first iteration of these three vertically integrated courses reported learning gains in course content as well as skills in scientific writing, hypothesis construction, experimental design, data analysis, and interpreting results. Students also demonstrated increasing skills in both hypothesis formulation and communication of findings as a result of participating in the inquiry-based curricula and completing the associated practical assessment tasks. Here, we report the specific aspects of the curricula that students reported as having the greatest impact on their learning and the particular elements of hypothesis formulation and communication of findings that were more challenging for students to master. These findings provide important implications for science educators concerned with designing curricula to promote scientific thinking and communication skills alongside content acquisition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-277
Author(s):  
Sonia Zyngier ◽  
Gabriela Marques-Schäfer ◽  
Danielle de Almeida Menezes ◽  
Alessandra Mitie Spallanzani

ABSTRACT Today, engaging in university extension programs is mandatory for undergraduate students in Humanities. However, before 2015, efforts in this area were rather scant and tended to concentrate on services and consultancy. Few were the projects, like CLAC (Language Courses for the Community), that aimed at preparing teachers for the realities of the classroom by means of a hands-on experience. To examine the influence this pioneer project may have on the academic, professional, and personal life of the participants, this paper reports a longitudinal study with 60 participants. Their answers to an online questionnaire indicate that the project reached its objectives in terms of promoting critical thinking and autonomy, and preparing well-qualified professionals. This assessment shows that this pioneering project is a model that should be replicated.


2021 ◽  
pp. 004005992110101
Author(s):  
Nicole S. Fenty ◽  
Abby Pierce ◽  
Julia Schildwachter

There has been an increased emphasis in recent years on supporting young children with building 21st century literacy skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Unfortunately, young children with or at risk for disabilities are unlikely to receive access to experiences that build 21st century literacies. Pre-coding activities, which include hands-on coding games and stories appropriate for young children, are one way to provide access to this population of students. The purpose of this article is to provide details about how educators in early childhood inclusive settings may integrate pre-coding activities with everyday routines and procedures as well as with common grade level appropriate read alouds. Fundamentals of pre-coding are provided along with guidelines for planning and instruction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 293-298
Author(s):  
Fábio da Costa Carbogim ◽  
Larissa Bertacchini de Oliveira ◽  
Melina Mafra Toledo ◽  
Flávia Batista Barbosa de Sá Diaz ◽  
Greicy Kelly Gouveia Dias Bittencourt ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To present the experience of elaboration and implementation of the Active Teaching Model to Promote Critical Thinking (MEAPC), associated to Problem-Based Learning (PBL), for undergraduate students in Nursing. Method: Case report on the experience of the educational intervention (MEAPC + PBL) with undergraduate students in Nursing, in a 20-hour course on Basic Life Support (BLS). The MEAPC was validated by judges to guide the analysis of clinical cases. Critical Thinking (CT) skills were assessed using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Result: The educational intervention took place in two phases: elaboration and implementation, allowing not only the production of knowledge about BLS, but also the development of CT and exchange of experiences for teaching-learning. Conclusion: The association of the MEAPC to the PBL in the course of BLS organized the learning, gave opportunity to acquire knowledge and to stimulate the skills of the CT.


2014 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
pp. 809-813
Author(s):  
Carolyn R. Vitek ◽  
Jane C. Dale ◽  
Henry A. Homburger ◽  
Sandra C. Bryant ◽  
Amy K. Saenger ◽  
...  

Context.— Systems-based practice (SBP) is 1 of 6 core competencies required in all resident training programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Reliable methods of assessing resident competency in SBP have not been described in the medical literature. Objective.— To develop and validate an analytic grading rubric to assess pathology residents' analyses of SBP problems in clinical chemistry. Design.— Residents were assigned an SBP project based upon unmet clinical needs in the clinical chemistry laboratories. Using an iterative method, we created an analytic grading rubric based on critical thinking principles. Four faculty raters used the SBP project evaluation rubric to independently grade 11 residents' projects during their clinical chemistry rotations. Interrater reliability and Cronbach α were calculated to determine the reliability and validity of the rubric. Project mean scores and range were also assessed to determine whether the rubric differentiated resident critical thinking skills related to the SBP projects. Results.— Overall project scores ranged from 6.56 to 16.50 out of a possible 20 points. Cronbach α ranged from 0.91 to 0.96, indicating that the 4 rubric categories were internally consistent without significant overlap. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.81, indicating moderate to strong interrater reliability. Conclusions.— We report development and statistical analysis of a novel SBP project evaluation rubric. The results indicate the rubric can be used to reliably assess pathology residents' critical thinking skills in SBP.


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