Strategies for a Hybrid Classroom: An Online Activity for Understanding Figures from Primary Literature

 

Sarah Carmona & Debra Mauzy-Melitz

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2017, Volume 38

Abstract

Universities have been transitioning towards virtual classrooms as teachers and administrators attempt to broaden their scope and confront a rapidly expanding student population. While some schools are offering courses or degrees fully online, a more widespread practice is to offer courses as “hybrids” which combine traditional lectures with an online learning supplement. One issue arising from this format is lower student engagement within the virtual classroom, resulting in decreased retention. To combat this, I created an online activity designed to engage students with the material while promoting higher-order critical thinking. This activity was originally created as a supplement to help biology undergraduates understand how to interpret figures from primary research articles. After a brief introduction on figures, students were presented with a new scenario and asked to solve problems through a series of multiple choice and free response questions. Participants in this engaging mini workshop will experience the activity as a student and administrator. Key points of discussion will include how to promote critical thinking and active learning in an online setting. This activity and the ideas presented in this workshop can act as resources for participants who are designing their own hybrid lectures.

Keywords:  primary literature

University of Houston (2016)