Document: ALI-3-28-30

Assessment of quantitative skills in introductory ecology labs.

LINDAHL, A.* and J.W.HAEFNER

Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-5305 USA ¹

Abstract:
This presentation describes a three-year project which introduces beginning biology students to quantitative exercises in biology labs. The purpose is to increase confidence in devising mathematical models to solve problems. Retention of these skills is traced in the upper division biology classes, including ecology. Pre- and posttests are administered. The increase in scores for individual math skills was between 1.2% and 37%. The ability to solve a problem using a modeling approach increased from 11% at the beginning of the semester to 66% by the end. We describe the analysis of videotapes of student and teaching assistant behaviors during the biomath labs. Student involvement in the biomath labs are compared to the student responses in the more descriptive typical laboratory exercises. The best overall predictor of student success was the interest and involvement of the teaching assistant. Successful strategies for teaching applied math to students with weak backgrounds are discussed.

Keywords: Assessment, biomath, ecology labs

This abstract is being presented at: 11:15 AM in session:
Oral Session #24: Ecological Learning Activities.