Brittany J. Gasper|Stephanie M. Gardner
Engaging Students in Authentic Microbiology Research in an Introductory Biology Laboratory Course is Correlated with Gains in Student Understanding of the Nature of Authentic Research and Critical Thinking
Purdue University West Lafayette|Florida Southern College|Purdue University West Lafayette
recent recommendations biology education highlight role authentic research experiences early undergraduate education means increasing number quality biology majors experiences inform students nature science increase confidence science well foster critical thinking skills area lacking despite one desired outcomes undergraduate institutions future employers things mind developed introductory biology laboratory course students design execute authentic microbiology research project students course assimilated community researchers engaging scholarly activities participating inquiry reading scientific literature communicating findings written oral formats three iterations semesterlong laboratory course found students took course showed significant increase understanding nature authentic research level critical thinking skills