Integrating the Software Package “R” in Skill-based Introductory Biology Labs to Enhance Student Graphing Skills

 

Michael S. Berger

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36

Abstract

Students in introductory biology courses frequently lack basic skills that involve visual representation of data, such as graphing. I developed an introductory biology lab exercise that utilized the software package “R” as a learning tool to help students improve their graphing skills. Learning goals focused on: (1) understanding components used to construct an informative graph; (2) competency in the visual display of data; (3) learning how to use the software package “R”. The software package “R” is an open source script-based software package that can be used with a graphical user interface. The use of a script based software removes the “back-box” effect that can limit conceptual understanding of the components involved in the process of visually representing data. Students were introduced to “R” and provided with step-by-step tutorials that guided them through the process of generating graphs. I will present this graphing exercise and walk workshop participants through the process of actively engaging students in constructing an informative graph. Workshop participants will use a hands-on approach to learn the basic skills necessary to use the software package “R” in classroom setting. The skills developed in this exercise can be adopted for lower or upper division courses across many disciplines. I will present data and comments from a student survey that assessed the positive aspects and shortcomings of this skill-based exercise, so workshop participants will know what worked well and what did not work as well.

Keywords:  introductory biology, graphing, software package R

University of Oregon (2014)