Promoting an active form of learning out-of-class via answering online "study questions" leads to higher than expected exam scores in General Biology.

ABSTRACT: A rising need for workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields has fueled interest in improving teaching within STEM disciplines. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of active learning approaches on student learning outcomes. However, many of these studies have been conducted in experimental, rather than real-life class, settings. In addition, most of these studies have focused on in-class active learning exercises. This study tested the effects of answering questions outside of class on exam performance for General Biology students at the University of Minnesota. An online database of 1,020 multiple-choice questions covering material from the first half of the course was generated. Students in seven course sections (with an average of ∼265 students

SUBMITTER: Gibson SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4614910 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature