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

本项目将运用现代教学方法和计算机数据采集技术来改善高神学院的生物教学。Goshen学院以其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弱。本项目将开发大量探究式生理实验练习。学生们将以小组为单位，提出一个假设，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协作技能。适当的概念和实验室技术将嵌入到过程中。该提案要求为设备、人员时间和相关费用提供资金，以实现这些变化。Goshen学院将提供相应的金额。该设备将提供计算机数据采集和访问数据分析和展示工具的能力。该项目将重点关注学生在两个班级的实验室工作：(I)脊椎动物生理学；(2)人体解剖学与生理学。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。学生将在健康、生物学原理和生理心理学课程中更多地使用这些设备。新的调查活动将于1999至2000学年推出，涉及200名学生。修订后的活动、最后评估及公布结果将于二零零零至二零零一年学年进行。学生的作业将通过定期的口头和书面报告进行评估。独立评估师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定量、分析和协作技能，以及他们对实验数据的交流。实验练习和学生作业范例将被张贴在网上，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.