ERIC Number: EJ1288352
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1470-8175
EISSN: N/A
Understanding New Molecular and Cell Biology Findings Based on Progressive Scientific Practices and Interconnected Activities in Undergraduate Students
Giojalas, Laura C.; Guidobaldi, Hector A.; Cragnolini, Andrea B.; Franchi, Anahi N.; Garcia Romano, Leticia; Bermudez, Gonzalo M. A.; Danelon, Victor; Moreno Irusta, Ayelen; Domínguez, Esteban M.; Figueras López, Maria J.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, v49 n2 p198-209 Mar-Apr 2021
Nowadays Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) must be taught as science is practiced. Even though there are several approaches based on scientific practices, a key aspect is to define the purpose of each of these teaching strategies and, most importantly, their implementation. Our goal was to train students to acquire, understand, and communicate new scientific knowledge in the field. The main feature of our new teaching methodology was progressive training in scientific practices associated with a back-and-forward interplay between activities and assessments. The methodology was implemented over 4 years, in students attending the MCB course of the undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. In the first two modules, the students were prepared to comprehend MCB concepts and techniques and to experience activities based on scientific practices. In the third module, the students analyzed a primary paper in-depth. They were assessed by midterm exams based on a primary paper, written laboratory reports, and the oral presentation of a scientific paper. Our teaching proposal was evaluated through the students' academic performance and by their opinion on the teaching methodology. Most students were satisfied since they improved their acquisition of concepts, their interpretation and integration of scientific knowledge, and developed skills to communicate scientific knowledge in writing and orally. The novelty of transversal interconnections and progressive training in scientific practices provides students with skills in acquiring and understanding new scientific information, even beyond the MCB course.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Molecular Biology, Cytology, Teaching Methods, College Science, Undergraduate Study, Scientific Concepts, Concept Formation, Science Achievement, Student Attitudes, Knowledge Level, Science Process Skills, Communication Skills
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A