PARENT SESSION
Symposium 12: Integrating Scientific Research and Ecology Education
Organized by: M Krasny, C Brewer, and D Ebert-May
Wednesday, August 6. 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, SITCC Chatham Ballroom C.

Assessing the Impact of Integrating Scientific Research and Education: What Evidence Will We Accept?

Ebert-May, Diane¹, Evans, Celia², ¹ Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI² Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, NY

ABSTRACT- Scientists interested in improving ecological education by integrating scientific research and educational programs need to design appropriate methods for assessment and analysis of data to determine the effectiveness of these approaches on promoting student learning. We developed systematic strategies, parallel to the methods of discipline-based science research, for designing questions and problems to assess student understanding about ecological concepts in several research projects. Also assessed were faculty and departments involved in educational reform projects. Data from assessment guided decisions about innovative courses, curriculum, and project design. Assessment methods, both quantitative and qualitative, will be discussed in relation to helping to understand student thinking about the content and concepts of the discipline. Examples include long-term research about students' understanding of the carbon cycle and evolution, and changes in science faculty teaching.

Key words: educational evaluation