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Triage and Recovery of STEM Laboratory Skills
Timothy M Sonbuchner1, Emily C Mundorff2, Jacqueline Lee3
1Department of Chemistry, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|May 6, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted STEM education online, impacting essential laboratory skills. Interventions like boot camps are recommended to bridge the gap in practical skills for science students.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Laboratory Skills Development
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition to remote learning in higher education.
- Online environments pose challenges for teaching hands-on laboratory skills in STEM courses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify essential laboratory proficiencies for introductory biology and chemistry students.
- To determine which skills are difficult to teach remotely and propose recovery strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of introductory biology and chemistry curricula by a STEM network faculty group.
- Review of disciplinary guiding documents from organizations like AAAS, ASM, and ACS.
Main Results:
- Seven essential laboratory proficiencies were identified: data analysis, scientific writing, material handling/disposal, discipline-specific techniques, measurement, lab safety/PPE, and collaborative skills.
- Several key skills are challenging to develop effectively in remote or online learning settings.
Conclusions:
- Specific interventions are needed to address the remote learning-induced gap in essential laboratory skills.
- Recommended recovery mechanisms include skills boot camps, coordinated club events, or triage courses to prepare students for advanced studies.
