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Addressing attitudes and preconceptions towards genetics by incorporating a research project

Addressing attitudes and preconceptions towards genetics by incorporating a research project. Daron Barnard Worcester State College. The area and school Central Massachusetts liberal arts state college Affordable Large life sciences industry in Massachusetts

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Addressing attitudes and preconceptions towards genetics by incorporating a research project

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  1. Addressing attitudes and preconceptions towards genetics by incorporating a research project Daron Barnard Worcester State College

  2. The area and school • Central Massachusetts liberal arts state college • Affordable • Large life sciences industry in Massachusetts • Life Sciences Talent Initiative • The students (~ 4,600 undergraduates) • Many local • 2/3 commuter • Many have full time jobs • Nontraditional students (average age is 24) • Many take more than 4 years (> 25% part time)

  3. The problem: • Students are apprehensive regarding genetics • Don’t think that they can learn genetics • They don’t see relevance to their lives/employment • Consequences: • Many student delay genetics until senior year • Many students disengaged

  4. The problem (continued) • Current lab structure reinforces aspects of theses attitudes and preconceptions • The lab presents a buffet of techniques, • No indication of how those techniques might be incorporated into research • Evidence of this as a problem is primarily anecdotal and/or based on my own informal observations.

  5. The Question: Does incorporation of a research project into the genetic lab experience affect student’s attitudes regarding: genetics, research in genetics, and their ability to participate in research?

  6. Evidence Needed • Pre/post surveys • Likert Scale and open-ended responses • Addressing: • Concerns • Confidence • Preconceived notions • Attitudes • Ongoing formative assessment (open-ended questions) during the semester • Focus groups? • Follow-up survey in subsequent years

  7. The Possible Plans:Common: Summer 08 develop surveys Plan A Plan B Fall Change lab to incorporate research project Work out the possible problems/wrinkles associated with the change Pilot survey Spring Run 1 lab with old method, other lab with the new research project Administer surveys • Fall • Maintain current lab structure • administer surveys to obtain baseline • Spring • Change lab to incorporate research project • administer surveys

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