Learning Lessons and Their Impact on Student Success in First-Year Biology Classes

Aidan Olsson, University of Colorado, Boulder 

The first-year introductory biology sequence provides a crucial foundation for students' careers. Some groups, such as first-generation college students (FGCS), lag behind their non-first-generation peers in these introductory courses. One explanation is that FGCS aren't given the tools or background to succeed in college-level coursework. In addition, students regardless of first-generation status tend to underutilize evidence-based study strategies. Here, we presented students with a series of asynchronously delivered online lessons for the purposes of teaching students to use evidence-based strategies in their introductory biology classes. Our initial results suggest that learning lessons help all students learn necessary study skills to succeed in their biology courses. Overall, our research aims to support FGCS and other underserved students, potentially helping to level the educational playing field in introductory biology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-olson-b79b90352/