Research Problem

I have found that my non-biology major students sometimes have a difficult time learning concepts in class when I use a lot of scientific terminology.

Research QuestionWill students learn better when biology material is delivered to them in everyday language compared to material delivered with scientific terminology?

Research MethodsMy primary research methods include:

1) Conduct a baseline definitions or terminology survey2) Develop content for both topics with everyday language

and scientific language in different semesters3) Use tools (edat or Genetics Concept Assessment) to

assess student understanding of 2 different biology topics -pre and post tests

4) Ask students to reflect on how they learned the material / how did language affect the learning process

Use General Biology Fall & Spring

How will I collect these data?

1) Baseline terminology survey 5) Pre-test Topic #22) Pre-test Topic #1 6) Cover Topic #2 –sci lang3) Cover Topic #1 –everyday lang. 7) Post-test Topic #24) Post-test Topic #1 8) Repeat & flip in Spring

My strategy to analyze these data will be:

ANCOVA of post tests comparing 2 types of instruction; analyze reflections on learning comparing the 2 types of instruction

Alignment of Research Question and Methods

My research methods will assess the students’ understanding of concepts after instruction in everyday language vs instruction in scientific language.

I will use GPA and a baseline terminology survey to help understand the role of prior knowledge.

I will conduct the experiment over 2 semesters so I test the 2 different types of instruction with similar students.

The data will hopefully tell me which type of instruction is more effective AND will examine student experience during the learning process.