| Title: |
Critical Thinking Assessment of Students in Nonmajors Biology Classes with Corn or Fly Genetics Laboratory Studies |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Reinbold, Stephen L. |
| Source: |
Journal of College Science Teaching. Nov 2018 48(2):68-75. |
| Availability: |
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
8 |
| Publication Date: |
2018 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Critical Thinking; Science Instruction; Biology; Genetics; Nonmajors; Science Laboratories; Plants (Botany); Animals; College Science; College Students; Student Research |
| ISSN: |
0047-231X |
| Abstract: |
A critical thinking assessment was used to compare biology students in a nonmajors course who participated in either a multisemester research program or in a one-semester lab study. Initially, it was thought the former would be more effective in promoting critical thinking improvement than the latter. Data from nine biology classes with pre- and posttests were used. Six sections participated in a multisemester fly genetics study, and three sections did a one-semester corn genetics study. Each student wrote a draft and a final report. In the former study, biology students studied Drosophila eye color mutants and wild type that were crossed through parental, F[subscript 1], and F[subscript 2] generations. In the latter study, parental, F[subscript 1], and F[subscript 2] ears of corn were examined. The students in the corn laboratory group actually did better on the posttest. Reasons for this result and other comparisons suggesting the value of a short, multiple-choice assessments are discussed. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Number of References: |
17 |
| Entry Date: |
2018 |
| Access URL: |
https://www.nsta.org/publications/browse_journals.aspx?action=issue&id=116134 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1195663 |
| Database: |
ERIC |