Calibrated peer review for computer‐assisted learning of biological research competencies

Recently, both science and technology faculty have been recognizing biological research competencies that are valued but rarely assessed. Some of these valued learning outcomes include scientific methods and thinking, critical assessment of primary papers, quantitative reasoning, communication, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemistry and molecular biology education 2010-09, Vol.38 (5), p.290-295
Main Authors: Clase, Kari L., Gundlach, Ellen, Pelaez, Nancy J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
assessment
biology education
Computer Assisted Instruction
Critical Reading
Educational Research
Investigations
Outcomes of Education
Peer Evaluation
peer review
research competencies
Science Education
Social Environment
Student Attitudes
Teaching Methods
Undergraduate Students
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Summary:Recently, both science and technology faculty have been recognizing biological research competencies that are valued but rarely assessed. Some of these valued learning outcomes include scientific methods and thinking, critical assessment of primary papers, quantitative reasoning, communication, and putting biological research into a historical and broader social context. This article presents examples of Calibrated Peer Review (CPR) assignments that illustrate a computer‐assisted method to help students achieve biological research competencies. A new release of CPR is appropriate for engaging students online in reading and writing about investigations. A participant perception inventory was designed for use as a repeated measure to discriminate among beginning, middle, and ending student perceptions. Examples are provided to demonstrate how to assess student perceptions of what they gain from instruction related to science research competencies. Results suggest that students in a large enrollment class consider CPR to be useful for helping them learn about quantitative and categorical research variables; the use of the experimental method to test ideas; the use of controls; analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data; and how to critically read primary papers.
ISSN:1470-8175
1539-3429
DOI:10.1002/bmb.20415