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Thinking About Thinking About Nature. Christina P. Colon, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Biological Sciences Kingsborough Community College City University of New York Brooklyn, New York. Background. Still in my first year Urban inner-city two year college
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Thinking About Thinking About Nature Christina P. Colon, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Biological Sciences Kingsborough Community College City University of New York Brooklyn, New York
Background • Still in my first year • Urban inner-city two year college • High minority, immigrant, ESL, returning • Bio 53 - Ecology Biology majors elective Never taught before • Bio 49 – People and Environment Non-majors science elective Taught once
A “What Is” Question What do my students think/feel about nature? Does that change after taking my classes? Do they care and/or worry? Do they value nature? Do they see its relevance? Do they want to learn more? Do they want to do more?
Questionable Methodologies.. • Collaborate with Science Education faculty • Anonymous pre and post class surveys • Capture demographics • Likert scale (5 or 4 pt?) + Word bank • Open ended questions: The word nature makes me think of….. Nature is important to society because…. Nature is relevant to me because… Who is responsible for taking care of nature?
Circular Logic?? Does class seating arrangement impact attendance, retention, or participation?