The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the pretest and posttest examination scores between students in two undergraduate biology classes taught in two fundamentally different praxes at the University of Nevada, Reno. Biology 100, an introductory biology course for non-majors, was…

Investigated is the effect of organization and accuracy of detail in instructional aids on the achievement of college students (N=54) in a freshman chemistry lecture course. It is indicated that aids may impede learning by decreasing students' involvement in auditory and semantic encoding during lectures. (Author/DS)

First-year students in genetics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, attend two general biology modules, one in each semester. Teaching involves four formal lectures per week of 45 min each, one 3-h practical, and one lecture period tutorial. These students, graduating from secondary education, are well schooled in rote learning but…

This article describes how a traditional biology lecture course was transformed into an interactive class. A review the activities used, changes made to grading policy, and practical tips for integration of active learning in the classroom are provided. Analysis of student responses to course assessments indicated that active learning experiences…

The current status and frequency of nonmajor biology courses offered in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada were investigated. A random sample of 300 four-year colleges was sent a questionnaire and a request for copies of their syllabi for nonmajor biology courses and other nonmajor science courses. Of the 134 respondents,…

Aptitude treatment interaction (ATI) for the two most widely used science teaching strategies (lecture method and lecture method augmented with classroom activities) was investigated. The aptitude variables examined were cognitive ability level expressed in Piagetian terms and cognitive learning style (field independence/dependence). A sample of…

Freshmen cadets in an enriched mediated honors course in General Physics achieved slightly less on a 40 common-item criteria test than cadets in a traditionally taught honors course in the same subject, although the mediated course included approximately 40 percent more content in the area of modern physics. In the enriched course, audiovisual…

Compares the effectiveness of two instructional models in bringing about a valid understanding of science concepts in prospective elementary teachers. Describes the two instructional models; an expository model and a learning cycle model. Concludes that college students understandings of science concepts may be improved using a combination of the…

Discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of both live and videotaped presentations, particularly in regard to courses in mechanical engineering. Describes a graduate-level gas dynamics course that was offered live and on videotape to students both on and off campus by the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). (TW)

Compares the effect of a chemistry computer simulation, written by the author, with the effect of an instructor demonstration. The study indicates that in this particular situation the operation of a spectrophotometer can be effectively taught by computer simulation method. The program is written using HyperTalk, the HyperCard programming…

Presents the ozone depletion story as an excellent case study for the integration of science-related social issues into the college science curriculum. Describes the history of ozone depletion and efforts to remedy the problem. Provides a lecture outline on ozone depletion. Discusses integrating other science-related interdisciplinary topics in…

This article explores the synergy that can be created when concept-mapping techniques are used in collaboration with the construction of PowerPoint presentations to increase the richness of the learning experience. Some weaknesses of the typical PowerPoint format are highlighted with a description of how they can be overcome through a more…

Biology students in their first year at university have difficulty understanding the abstract concepts of photosynthesis. The traditional didactic lecture followed by practical exercises that show various macroscopic aspects of photosynthesis often do not help the students visualise or understand the submicroscopic (molecular-level) reactions that…

Classes of 100 students or more are not uncommon in higher education. With such large enrollments, it can be difficult for instructors to integrate active learning components to the traditional lecture format typically adopted in such large classes. To help address this problem, Johnny El-Rady discusses his use of an electronic classroom voting…

A study was conducted to test and compare the effects of a group-paced, multimedia, non-lecture method and a traditional lecture method of instruction in General Biology, and to determine if the type of evaluation used influenced a student's chances of successfully completing the course. Subjects were 308 students enrolling in General Biology…