A Framework for Scaling-Up Community-Engaged Research Experiences in Introductory General Biology Laboratories

Association of College and Biology Educators. Web site: http://acube.org

Y

10

Biology; Science Instruction; Laboratory Experiments; Teaching Methods; Course Descriptions; Outcomes of Education; School Community Relationship; Summer Programs; Research Training; Environmental Education; Student Projects; Scientific Research; Active Learning; Inquiry; Taxonomy; Student Research; Undergraduate Students; Introductory Courses

1539-2422

In this paper, we describe the transition of all five course-sections of General Biology Laboratory I from "cookbook" surveys of taxonomic domains and kingdoms to course-based undergraduate research experiences that champion inquiry-based learning in "real world" environments. We achieved this by scaling-up lessons from a research-focused pilot section refined over three years to blend instruction with collaboration with community partners seamlessly. In terms of outcomes, students share data analyses directly with community partners, present posters at research conferences, publish research findings, and use project findings to successfully compete for placement in advanced summer research programs. This course structure benefits the students, the community partners, and the instructor. The community partners, in turn, are provided with free scientific consultations that advance data-driven strategies and empower adaptive management of localized environmental issues. The instructor benefits from the opportunity to contribute their unique disciplinary expertise toward the collaborative design and shared success of a modular course.

As Provided

2024

EJ1411440