{"id":601,"date":"2017-05-26T13:57:34","date_gmt":"2017-05-26T20:57:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/immersivescience\/?page_id=601"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:29:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T21:29:48","slug":"argumentation-to-learn","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/immersivescience\/argumentation-to-learn\/","title":{"rendered":"Argumentation-to-Learn"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Argumentation-to-Learn<\/span><\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Argumentation-to-Learn in Large Lecture project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our NSF funded Argumentation-to-Learn in Large Lecture project<\/em> (collaboration with Dr. Davis<\/a> and Dr. Offerdahl\u2019s ICEBERG lab<\/a>), will build on previous course initiatives to improve BIOL 107 (Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology) by integrating an argumentation-to-learn<\/em> approach into the lecture part of the course. Argumentation-to-learn has previously been shown to increase students\u2019 conceptual understanding across all students; including disproportionately positive impacts on females and low-achieving students. Further, argumentation is a disciplinary practice of scientists; it is the process through which scientists evaluate evidence as they generate new knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this project, we focus on deliberative argumentation<\/em> because it most accurately represents the argumentation practices of scientists. In particular, deliberative argumentation emphasizes collaboration and the active search for alternative explanations. This design-based research project seeks to demonstrate that an argumentation-to-learn approach is promising and ready for future efficacy studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research Question:  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How should deliberative argumentation be structured in large-lecture biology to support student learning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aims<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Aim 1.<\/strong> Optimize pre-class activities to support deliberative argumentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Aim 2.<\/strong> Refine and demonstrate feasibility of in-class argumentation activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Aim 3. <\/strong>Develop and validate measure of deliberative argumentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Aim 4.<\/strong> Pilot argumentation activities in large-lecture introductory undergraduate biology courses<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The project will broaden understanding about \u201cwhat works\u201d in creating student-centered undergraduate large-lecture biology. Specifically, this research will (a) generate evidence regarding the efficacy of two pre-class activities in preparing students for student-centered instruction and (b) identify key instructional supports for argumentation-to-learn. This study will also advance knowledge in the field of argumentation. We will develop and validate a measure of deliberative argumentation that is replicable, going beyond the holistic descriptions currently used in the deliberative argumentation literature by identifying student-student talk patterns that comprise the broader categories of argumentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Modern biology research generates increasingly complex and expansive knowledge. It is no longer realistic to teach future biologists or citizens a complete body of knowledge. Rather, they should gain facility with core concepts and scientific practices. Critical inspection of and challenging of ideas is fundamental for a scientifically-literate citizenry, and for future biologists. We anticipate that our findings will be adaptable to other large-lecture STEM courses, thereby developing an agile STEM workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Publications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Throughout this project, there will be a variety of publications in a variety of locations and mediums. As those come out, we will provide them to interested individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Publications \u2013 Coming in the future<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With much appreciation\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    We thank the following sponsors for supporting this project:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"The
    The National Science Foundation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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    Collaborators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    WSU School of Molecular Biosciences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n