Background/purpose. Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) development represents a critical challenge in biology higher education. While Project-Based Learning (PjBL) shows promise, empirical evidence remains fragmented across individual studies. This meta-analysis systematically synthesized evidence on PjBL effectiveness in developing HOTS among…

This paper describes a short ion flow activity that can be completed within one lab or lecture session. The activity is focused on the core concept of flow-down gradients and is geared toward undergraduates. No previous knowledge of equilibrium potentials or membrane potentials is required. Students are guided through a set of questions that build…

To improve climate education in an introductory weather and climate course, an active-learning lab was developed around a climate decision support system. The Climate Analysis and Visualization for the Assessment of Species Status (CAnVAS) tool allows individuals to view various climate variables and select a particular location and species to…

Recently, our course team transformed a large-enrollment introductory genetics course from being predominantly lecture based to active learning based. During class sessions, students engaged in problem solving, which occurs when a student attempts to solve a problem without knowing the path to complete it. We designed class activities…

Objectives: The traditional, instructor-led form of live coding has been extensively studied, with findings showing that this form of live coding imparts similar learning to static-code examples. However, a concern with Traditional Live Coding is that it can turn into a passive learning activity for students as they simply observe the instructor…

The educational landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, necessitating a deeper understanding of students' evolving needs. In nursing education, the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid learning models has brought significant changes to traditional teaching practices. A literature review highlights key themes, including the influence of…

Research shows that active-learning methods (e.g. discussion) are often superior to passive methods (e.g. lecture) with respect to learning outcomes. However, students sometimes report preferring and learning more in lecture-style classes compared to those in which they play an active role. These and related findings suggest students may lack…

Educators, including library professionals are fortunate to have access to multiple educational Apps, virtual learning environments, and smartphones. However, during numerous Information Literacy sessions at Manchester Metropolitan University, the authors have continued to witness the value of paper-based activities. In this case study, we will…

Developing students' metacognitive awareness and self-efficacy is crucial for fostering independent learning and higher-order thinking skills, especially in research-related tasks. Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of cultivating higher-order thinking skills in higher education, there remains a significant gap in our…

Traditional lecture-based teaching methods have been used in college classrooms for a long time despite the increasing evidence that active learning is more beneficial for student learning outcomes. One teaching method that has been linked to active learning is using flipped classroom approach where students initially receive material on their…

Academic institutions are increasingly adopting active learning methods to enhance educational outcomes. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated neurobiological differences between active learning and traditional lecture-based approaches in university physics education. Undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory…

During a time of increasing shortages in the eldercare workforce, attracting new workers to the field is imperative. It can be difficult to engage students in the field. One method to engage students with aging is through oral history assignments. This study explored the impact of an active assignment (interviewing an older adult) compared to a…

Phylogenetic tree diagrams are commonly found in introductory biology curricula and represent the evolutionary relationships of organisms. Tree-thinking, or the ability to accurately interpret, use, and generate these phylogenetic representations, involves a challenging set of skills for students to learn. Although many introductory biology…

System-based learning (SBL) in engineering domains integrates systems thinking and engineering principles to develop a system. In software engineering, to develop software using the DevOps process, using SBL environment, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the DevOps software development process and apply theoretical concepts to…

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of gamification on the five dimensions of meaningful learning (i.e. cooperative, active, authentic, constructive and intentional learning) and undergraduate student performance taking online lessons. Design/methodology/approach: Therefore, the authors conducted an experiment among undergraduate…