Students' academic performance improves when they use active study methods and discussion of study strategy efficacy can impact students' choice. Faculty often employ mid-semester wrappers to encourage student reflection on their study habits, so we explored whether exposure to research about learning embedded within post-exam wrappers was…

The Index of Learning Styles (ILS) generates reliable data. Its ability to characterize learning preference has been validated. However, the ILS has had very limited application in biology education. In 2009, students in an introductory biology laboratory completed the ILS. Overall academic performance (2009) was negatively associated with…

Many science educators are proponents of cooperative learning, but struggle to find equitable and effective ways to build groups. In this article, the author describes her method for forming heterogeneous cooperative learning groups that is not only impartial, but also requires students to begin learning science on the first day of class.…

At RMIT University, students may now elect to study infectious diseases through a course called Outbreak--The Detection and Control of Infectious Disease. Outbreak was designed to simulate in an online class the effective teamwork required to bring resolution to outbreak crises and enable frameworks for future prevention. The appropriateness of…

Outlines the types of learning styles and multiple intelligences as well as instructional techniques that work best with students' respective learning traits. (SAH)

This article describes the benefits of hiring an introductory science specialist for introductory-level students. An introductory science specialist can help prepare students for upper-division courses. These specialists are content generalists and methodological specialists--someone who is adept at teaching a wide range of content concepts and…

Introduces a study that identifies which learning styles are prevalent in biology majors. Uses the findings of the study to design a microbiology course. Presents activities that address the different learning styles. Uses self-assessment and portfolios for student evaluation. Includes recommendations for instructional improvement. (Contains 19…