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Research Problem . In one sentence, describe the problem that is the focus of your classroom research project about student learning: I have not introduced primary literature to my introductory biology students and would like to do so in a manner that engages them. Research Question.
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Research Problem In one sentence, describe the problem that is the focus of your classroom research project about student learning: I have not introduced primary literature to my introductory biology students and would like to do so in a manner that engages them.
Research Question • What is your research question? Does student attitude to science and ability to think scientifically increase in a course where (1) primary literature is used to teach science concepts and (2) does student choice influence any shift? • What is the context (e.g. class setting, student audience) in which you will conduct your research? Introductory Biology course with mostly non-majors and our small group of majors.
Research Methods Introduce scientific thinking concepts by using data from primary literature on topics Year 1: chosen by the instructor (establish baseline) Year 2: chosen by the student I will collect these data in both year 1 and year 2 Attitude to Science -Survey data on student attitudes to science pre and post course (CLASS ?) -Ask students questions such as whether choice mattered to them -Student evaluations? Science thinking -Concept inventory data on pre and post course (instrument?) -Summative assessment (lab exam) -Formative assessments on concepts throughout the semester I will analyze the data by: -Compare pre vs. post for attitude/ability throughout the semester (paired t test)? -Compare difference in both attitude/ability year 1 vs. year 2 (independent t test)? -Descriptive-What proportion of students liked, did not like or were indifferent to choice?
Alignment of Research Question and Methods This is why I think it aligns: -I will know whether their attitude to science and ability to think scientifically has stayed the same/improved/decreased in a context where they have no choice in topic of primary literature used in teaching compared to one where they have. The data will help me answer my question by: • I will know whether any shift in students’ science attitudes and science thinking abilities are different when choice is there or not • I will know whether • using primary literature as a source to teach science concepts is doable • using student-generated topics as a teaching tool is doable.