Curating lesson level learning objectives for non-majors introductory biology

Area of Science:

• Biology Education
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Introductory biology majors have established learning goals based on Vision and Change principles.
• A consensus on learning goals for introductory non-majors biology courses is lacking, despite most undergraduates not majoring in science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate learning objectives (LOs) for introductory non-majors biology courses.
• To address the need for defined learning goals in non-majors biology education.

Main Methods:

• A modified-Delphi study involving 38 biology faculty experts across the U.S.
• Three iterative rounds of identifying, rating, discussing, and re-rating 270 proposed learning objectives.
• Expert feedback focused on criticality, comprehensiveness, and completeness of learning objectives.

Main Results:

• 60.7% of the evaluated learning objectives (164 out of 270) were deemed critical for non-majors biology courses.
• Experts identified 22 new learning objectives not initially proposed.
• Significant expert consensus was achieved on a core set of learning objectives.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully developed and evaluated a set of critical learning objectives for introductory non-majors biology.
• These findings provide a foundation for curriculum development and faculty consensus in non-majors biology education.
• The identified LOs aim to ensure essential biological concepts are taught to a broad undergraduate audience.