1, 2, 3, 4: Infusing Quantitative Literacy into Introductory Biology

• DOI: 10.1187/cbe.10-03-0033
• Publication Date: 2010-09-01T15:18:48Z
• Authors: Elena Bray Speth; Jennifer L. Momsen; Gregory A. Moyerb...; Diane Ebert-May; Tammy M. Long; Sara Wyse; Debra Linton
• Keywords: Quantitative Research

Biology of the twenty-first century is an increasingly quantitative science. Undergraduate biology education therefore needs to provide opportunities for students develop fluency in tools and language disciplines. Quantitative literacy (QL) important future scientists as well citizens, who need interpret numeric information data-based claims regarding nearly every aspect daily life. To address QL education, we incorporated concepts throughout a semester-long introductory course at large research university. Early course, assessed skills that bring classroom found had difficulties performing simple calculations, representing data graphically, articulating data-driven arguments. In response students' learning needs, infused with aligned existing content objectives. The effectiveness this approach demonstrated by significant improvement quality graphical representations biological data. Infusing presents challenges. Our study, however, supports conclusion it feasible context consistent goals college promotes development skills.