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善歌珊学院的生物教育。歌珊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。本计画将开发大量探究式生理实验练习。学生，在小组工作，将制定一个假设，设计一种方法来测试它，收集适当的数据，并提出数据。在这些练习中，学生将培养一系列分析和协作技能。适当的概念和实验室技术将被纳入这一过程。本提案要求为实现这些变化提供设备、人员时间和相关费用的资金。歌珊学院将符合要求的金额。该设备将提供计算机数据获取能力，并提供数据分析和展示工具。该项目将集中在两个类的实验室学生的工作：（一）脊椎动物生理学;和（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NSF资助的工作。学生们将在健康、生物原理和生理心理学课程中更有限但更重要地使用这些设备。新的探究活动将于1999-2000学年开始，有200名学生参加。2000 - 2001学年将对活动进行修订、最后评估并公布结果。学生工作将通过定期口头和书面报告进行评估。一个独立的评估员将在每个学期的开始和结束时审查学生的工作。评估将侧重于学生的定量，分析和协作能力，以及他们的实验数据的通信。实验练习和学生工作的例子将在网上公布，并在地方和国家会议上提出。

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.