One way to help students develop critical thinking skills is to focus on problems or cases where they are challenged to deal with real data and experiences (Bransford et al. 2004). Both problem-based learning and case studies allow students to develop the intellectual capacity to deal with complex issues, build confidence and willingness to approach topics from multiple perspectives, and...

Publisher: EcoEd Digital Library

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Reading and discussing primary literature is central to communicating science. Students need practice in reading the literature for purposes beyond gaining information. Literature can be used to both increase knowledge and comprehension and to engage students in higher-level thinking (Bloom 1956; Levine 2001; Gillen et al. 2004; Finelli et al. 2005). Because science is also about making...

Publisher: EcoEd Digital Library

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Reading and understanding primary research literature is a challenge for students as they can be intimidated by scientific jargon and the unfamiliar style of scientific prose (Epstein 1972; White 2001). It is, however, an important skill that should be developed well before they graduate. Students’ abilities to accomplish this are often underestimated, especially in the case of nonscience major...

Publisher: EcoEd Digital Library

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Using a problem developed from Guinotte et al. [attached], we illustrate a research approach to determine the effectiveness of inquiry-based instruction on students’ understanding. Two research studies, one in biology (Udovic et al. 2002) and one in chemistry (Wright et al.1998), influenced our thinking about how to proceed. Both are exemplary studies that examined the impact of active learnin...

Publisher: EcoEd Digital Library

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A view of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, a high-altitude field research station at 9,500 feet in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. RMBL has supported field work since it was founded in 1928, and is the location of the research described in this slide show.

Publisher: EcoEd Digital Library

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