All Journal of College Science Teaching resources

Journal Article

Editorial: Deficit Thinking

We always have a choice when we consider another person. We can see their strengths, or we can focus on their deficits. What we choose to view in our assessment—and assessments are inevitable—will color how we perceive that person for the rest of...

Journal Article

Research and Teaching: Assessment of the Impact of Case Studies on Student Learning Gains in an Introductory Biology Course

Student performance in lecture-based versus case study-based instruction was compared in this study. Case-based teaching that emphasized problem solving and discussion significantly improved student performance on exams throughout the semester and en...

Journal Article

Developing Patterns for Learning in Science Through Reflection

The process of the development of critical thinking and knowledge application requires more than rote memorization and the ability to get correct answers on lab reports or on a multiple-choice test. Purposeful, guided reflection may be an opportunity...

Journal Article

Incorporating Authentic Scientific Research in an Introductory General-Education Course for Nonmajors

Nonscience majors enrolling in introductory science courses may not have a chance to conduct authentic scientific research and therefore may develop a distorted view of science. This article describes how authentic research activities were incorporat...

Journal Article

Favorite Demonstration: Demonstrating Emergent Properties in Dynamic Systems

This demonstration was developed for an introduction to a soil science class to show how emergent properties are an essential behavior endemic to dynamic systems; explanations for their existence are not dependent on external forces. Emergent propert...

Journal Article

Point of View: The Nuclear Road Ahead—A Science, Technology, and Society Issue

Many undergraduates can often be motivated by the opportunity to explore issues requiring them to develop at least a modest understanding of the underlying science. For many students, “just in time” science makes good sense. There are many issues...

Journal Article

Taking Science Online: Evaluating Presence and Immersion Through a Laboratory Experience in a Virtual Learning Environment for Entomology Students

A 3–D virtual field trip was integrated into an online college entomology course and developed as a trial for the possible incorporation of future virtual environments to supplement online higher education laboratories. This article provides an exp...

Journal Article

Society for College Science Teachers: Wearing Too Many Hats

How do you determine if an incoming freshman is ready for your class? How much responsibility do we bear in helping students make this critical transition? Do students today really process information differently than we did? How well do remedial cou...

Journal Article

Experimental Population Genetics in the Introductory Genetics Laboratory Using Drosophila as a Model Organism

Hypotheses of population genetics are derived and tested by students in the introductory genetics laboratory classroom as they explore the effects of biotic variables (physical traits of fruit flies) and abiotic variables (island size and distance) o...

Journal Article

Research and Teaching: Student Learning in a Project-Based Molecular Biology Course

Inquiry-based learning was used to enhance an undergraduate molecular biology course. The goal was to use a long-term, in-class project in a studio class setting to enable students to acquire the knowledge and confidence to problem solve. Mixed-metho...

Journal Article

Editorial: Bewilderment Disorder

Once upon a time in a land far from here, there lived a farmer’s son. Stu was a hard-working and pleasant lad, always willing to put his shoulder against any project. He was cheerful, friendly, strong, and obedient, happy to do as he was asked by h...

Journal Article

Favorite Demonstration: Scaffolding the Unbelievable—Understanding Light and Vision

In this article, the author describes how to challenge students with three intriguing questions and scaffolding techniques to help them develop a deeper understanding of light and vision. Through these surprising empirical experiences, students gain ...

Journal Article

Taking Ownership of Learning in a Large Class: Group Projects and a Mini-Conference

Helping students take ownership of their learning is often a challenge in a large lecture course. In this article, the authors describe a nature of science-oriented group project in a chemistry course in which students gave presentations in concurren...