Abstract Detail

Are We Having A Broader Impact?

Baker, Stokes [1], Gibson, J. Phil [2], Singh, Santokh [3].

Introduction: Are We Having A Broader Impact?

Over the past 30 years, science education has undergone significant transformations at many institutions. Lectures have become more interactive with greater emphasis on active learning. Likewise, laboratory sessions have shifted from predominantly demonstration and observation-based sessions to more inquiry-focused exercises. Both accreditation agencies and funding agencies have placed a greater emphasis in demonstrating the broader impacts of curriculum on student learning. Educators and students alike report that curricular changes have enhanced student learning and improved the classroom and laboratory experience. However, identifying the individual effects of specific curricular changes and rigorously quantifying improvements in student learning presents a challenge to many scientists. A large body of literature exists on effective assessment, but many scientists are not familiar with the well-established theory and procedures of education assessment. In this symposium, presenters will describe their efforts at science education reform and describe their experiences and approaches to assessment and evaluation. The symposium covers a breadth of topics from assessment of individual exercises to assessment of larger curricular efforts. The symposium will provide useful information to promote greater expectations for evaluating our effectiveness in science education.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University Of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI, 48221, USA, (313) 417-9279
2 - University of Oklahoma, Department of Botany & Microbiology, 770 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
3 - University of British Columbia, Department of Botan, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

Keywords:
Aboriginal education
Assessment
Broader impact
Curriculum
Tree-thinking.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY02
Location: Delaware B/Hyatt
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: SY02001
Abstract ID:162