Introductory biology courses are supposed to serve as gateways for many majors, but too often they serve instead as gatekeepers. Reliance on lectures, large classes, and multiple-choice tests results in high drop and failure rates. Critiques of undergraduate science education are clear about the problems with conventional introductory science…

Examines two positions in the debate on how best to teach science to undergraduates: science literacy for all students and doing science as science is done. Notes the reform efforts of Project Kaleidoscope and the Science Education for New Civic Engagement and Responsibilities (SENCER) project of the American Association of Colleges and…