Project-based Applied Learning (PAL): Integrating science literacy skills into general education undergraduate courses

Background/Question/Methods

Most university science educators agree that developing the science literacy skills necessary for students to use science in real-world situations is just as important as imparting factual scientific content. However, research indicates that few instructors actually teach these skills and that there is a lack of effective pedagogical models readily available to adapt and implement in classrooms. In response to this need, we developed and classroom-tested an instructional method, Project-based Applied Learning (PAL), in a large introductory cell and molecular biology course. This pedagogy focuses on increasing science literacy by providing opportunities for students to develop skills and apply them to a series of projects rooted in real-world problems. PAL focuses on four quantitative process skills: distinguishing between science and pseudoscience; interpreting graphs and statistics and employing them to communicate effectively; using data to form appropriate scientific predictions and conclusions; and evaluating the use of quantitative information in scientific and public literature. The PAL class structure is unconventional. Active learning techniques are heavily employed in the classroom and students work in groups to teach and evaluate each other and themselves. Projects are used to assess student comprehension and skill development. For each project, students find and evaluate sources of quantitative data. Students then use this information to create a product conveying their point of view on a scientific issue that they face outside the classroom.

Results/Conclusions

Survey results indicate that students have positive attitudes toward these projects and they view the projects as realistic and very applicable to their own lives. Students report that the projects require them to utilize a variety of biology content knowledge and self-regulatory learning skills. We have developed a freely accessible website with all course materials available for download. This website also contains a guide to the PAL method so that instructors in any subject can use and modify these materials in order to implement PAL in their courses.