Document Detail


Culturally relevant inquiry-based laboratory module implementations in upper-division genetics and cell biology teaching laboratories.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21885825     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Today, more minority students are entering undergraduate programs than ever before, but they earn only 6% of all science or engineering PhDs awarded in the United States. Many studies suggest that hands-on research activities enhance students' interest in pursuing a research career. In this paper, we present a model for the implementation of laboratory research in the undergraduate teaching laboratory using a culturally relevant approach to engage students. Laboratory modules were implemented in upper-division genetics and cell biology courses using cassava as the central theme. Students were asked to bring cassava samples from their respective towns, which allowed them to compare their field-collected samples against known lineages from agricultural stations at the end of the implementation. Assessment of content and learning perceptions revealed that our novel approach allowed students to learn while engaged in characterizing Puerto Rican cassava. In two semesters, based on the percentage of students who answered correctly in the premodule assessment for content knowledge, there was an overall improvement of 66% and 55% at the end in the genetics course and 24% and 15% in the cell biology course. Our proposed pedagogical model enhances students' professional competitiveness by providing students with valuable research skills as they work on a problem to which they can relate.
Authors:
Dimuth Siritunga; María Montero-Rojas; Katherine Carrero; Gladys Toro; Ana Vélez; Franklin A Carrero-Martínez
Related Documents :
17210835 - Stress management at the worksite: reversal of symptoms profile and cardiovascular dysr...
19892295 - Approaches to professional behaviour assessment: tools in the professionalism toolbox.
1882025 - Psychological and behavioral benefits of a stress/type a behavior reduction program for...
18211165 - Evaluation of an organizational stress management program in a municipal public works o...
19384655 - The use of simulation in the education of emergency care providers for cardiac emergenc...
1613605 - A theory-based computer training program.
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  CBE life sciences education     Volume:  10     ISSN:  1931-7913     ISO Abbreviation:  CBE Life Sci Educ     Publication Date:  2011  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-09-02     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101269039     Medline TA:  CBE Life Sci Educ     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  287-97     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR 00680.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Classroom-based science research at the introductory level: changes in career choices and attitude.
Next Document:  Online teaching tool simplifies faculty use of multimedia and improves student interest and knowledg...