Physiology Laboratories Improve the Analytical and Collaborative Skills of Students through Inquiry-based Activities

该项目将使用现代教学方法和计算机数据采集技术来改进Goshen学院的生物学教育。歌申学院以强大的科学课程而闻名，但目前的课程在现代生理学领域很薄弱。本项目将开展大量的探究式生理学实验练习。学生们分组工作，将制定一个假设，设计一种方法来检验它，收集适当的数据，并展示数据。在这些练习中，学生将发展一系列的分析和合作技能。适当的概念和实验室技术将被嵌入到这一过程中。这项提议要求为实施这些变化提供设备、人员时间和相关成本的资金。Goshen学院将匹配申请的金额。该设备将提供计算机数据采集和使用数据分析和显示工具的能力。该项目将集中在两个班级的实验室中进行学生工作：(I)脊椎动物生理学；(2)人体解剖学和生理学。这些课程中的许多关键练习将改编自以前由美国国家科学基金会资助的工作。在健康、生物原理及生理心理学等课程中，学生会更少但更多地使用这些仪器。新的探究式活动将於1999-2000学年开办，共有200名学生参加。修订活动、最后评估和结果的传播将在20002001学年进行。学生作业将通过定期的口头和书面报告进行评估。独立评估者将在每学期开始和结束时审查学生的作业。评估将侧重于学生的量化、分析和协作能力，以及他们对实验数据的交流。实验练习和学生作业的例子将被发布在网络上，并在地方和国家会议上展示。

This project will use modem pedagogical methods and computer data acquisition technology to improve biology education at Goshen College. Goshen College has a reputation for strong science programs, but the current curriculum is weak in the area of modem physiology. This project will develop a large number of inquiry-type physiology lab exercises. Students, working in groups, will develop a hypothesis, design a way to test it, collect appropriate data, and present the data. In these exercises, students will develop a range of analytical and collaborative skills. Appropriate concepts and laboratory techniques will be embedded in the process.This proposal requests funding for equipment, personnel time, and related costs to effect these changes. Goshen College will match the amount requested. The equipment will provide capability for computer data acquisition and access to data analysis and presentation tools. The project will focus on student work in laboratories of two classes: (I)Vertebrate Physiology; and (2)Human Anatomy and Physiology. Many of the key exercises in these classes will be adapted from work previously funded by the NSF. Students will make more limited but significant use of the equipment in courses in Health, Biological Principles, and Physiological Psychology.The new inquiry activities will be offered in the 1999-2000 academic year, involving 200 students. Revised activities, final assessment and dissemination of results will occur in the 20002001 academic year. Student work will be evaluated by regular oral and written reports. An independent evaluator will review student work at the beginning and end of each semester. Evaluations will focus on student's quantitative, analytical, and collaborative skills, and on their communication of experimental data. Laboratory exercises and examples of student work will be posted on the web, and presented at local and national conferences.