Explanation of natural phenomena at one level of biological organisation almost always involves causes that are found at other levels. Although scientists thinking across levels find it easy to explain physiological phenomena, students often perceive this as a challenge. We developed a new graphic organiser called Zoom Map, which is a mode for…

The evolution of learning design continues, focusing on blended laboratory approaches incorporating technology. The Sophisticated Thinking Laboratory (STB-LAB) and Gather Town are key tools in implementing collaborative learning in this context. This study assesses the effectiveness of blended laboratory implementation using STB-LAB and Gather…

This paper describes the structure and activities of READ (Reading Effectively Across the Disciplines), a pilot initiative to improve students' critical reading skills, disciplinary literacy and academic success. READ employs a multimodal design that consists of faculty training in disciplinary literacy instruction and curricular enhancement,…

In our Fundamentals of Genetics lab, students perform a wide variety of labs to reinforce and extend the topics covered in lecture. I developed an active-learning lab to augment the lecture topic of mutagenesis. In this lab exercise, students determine if a compound they bring from home is a mutagen. Students are required to read extensive…

The "Learning Lab: The Cell" exhibit was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Museum and the MIT Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS). Specially designed for middle and high school students, the Learning Lab provides museum visitors of all ages with fascinating insights into how our living cells work. The…

Features of a biology demonstration laboratory designed to handle large number of students and provide opportunities for using materials including live specimens for practical work are described. The design of the demonstration laboratory is given. (PS)

Explored were the effects on student attitudes of autotutorial laboratory instruction in a lower-division life sciences course designed for nonbiology majors at Skyline College, San Bruno, California. Positive results indicate the effectiveness of this mode of instruction in enhancing attitudes of students towards their learning and this…

In a Biology laboratory for the non-science major, a series of programed booklets, 8mm cartridge films, and 35mm slides were used with standard laboratory equipment and materials. By the end of the second semester, 28 programed sequences with linear and branching strategies had been designed and tested. Students completed attitude questionnaires…

Describes the ERAT (electronic-response and audiotutorial modes of instruction) system which is used to teach biology to non-science majors at Ball State University. Outlines the course content, the student activities involved in using this system, the role of the instructor, and the value of technology in education. (JR)

Compared was the relative effectiveness of a new college level general biology course utilizing an audio-tutorial (A-T) laboratory with a traditional lecture course without a laboratory. Five biology classes (two traditional and three A-T) with 720 students at Kansas State Teachers College comprised the population. Seventy students, 35 male and 35…

A description is provided of Los Angeles Valley College's Life Science Learning Center (LSLC), which provides: (1) a resource center addressed to the individualized learning needs of students served by the Biology Department; (2) a learning environment enabling students to proceed in self-paced, activity-centered, concept-oriented experiences in…

Describes an audiotutorial program in Biological Science offered to non-science majors at Western Michigan University and reports the results of an evaluative investigation relating to this program. (JR)

Determined was the effect of autotutorial instruction in the laboratory portion of a general biology course designed for nonbiology majors. Results indicate positive effects in enrollment, increased retention, and improved student achievement. (CS)

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of individualized instruction on enrollment, attrition, achievement, and student attitude in a general biology course for non-science majors. Fifteen auto-tutorial minicourses were designed for use in the laboratory part of the course, each consisting of a printed study guide, slide-tape module,…