Curating Lesson Level Learning Objectives for Non-Majors Introductory Biology
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| Title: | Curating Lesson Level Learning Objectives for Non-Majors Introductory Biology |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Peggy Brickman (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education. 2026 27(1). |
| Availability: | American Society for Microbiology. 1752 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-737-3600; e-mail: journals@asmusa.org; Web site: https://journals.asm.org/journal/jmbe |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) |
| Contract Number: | 2012362 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Biology, Introductory Courses, Nonmajors, Learning Objectives, College Faculty, College Science |
| ISSN: | 1935-7877 1935-7885 |
| Abstract: | Biology faculty have consensus-based guidelines based on "Vision and Change" principles about what to teach introductory biology majors. In contrast, faculty have not reached a consensus concerning the learning goals for introductory non-majors courses. Yet, more than 8 out of 10 undergraduates are not science majors. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate learning objectives for non-majors introductory biology courses. We performed a modified-Delphi study of learning objectives (LOs) for non-majors biology. We engaged a total of 38 biology faculty experts from institutions across the United States in three iterative rounds to identify, rate, discuss, and re-rate 270 LOs for non-majors biology courses. Faculty provided feedback to determine whether the LOs are critical for students to learn and if the LOs encompass what students need to learn about an issue, as well as if anything were missing. As a result of expert evaluation, 60.7% of LOs (164) were deemed critical. Experts also suggested 22 additional new LOs. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504676 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Biology faculty have consensus-based guidelines based on "Vision and Change" principles about what to teach introductory biology majors. In contrast, faculty have not reached a consensus concerning the learning goals for introductory non-majors courses. Yet, more than 8 out of 10 undergraduates are not science majors. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate learning objectives for non-majors introductory biology courses. We performed a modified-Delphi study of learning objectives (LOs) for non-majors biology. We engaged a total of 38 biology faculty experts from institutions across the United States in three iterative rounds to identify, rate, discuss, and re-rate 270 LOs for non-majors biology courses. Faculty provided feedback to determine whether the LOs are critical for students to learn and if the LOs encompass what students need to learn about an issue, as well as if anything were missing. As a result of expert evaluation, 60.7% of LOs (164) were deemed critical. Experts also suggested 22 additional new LOs. |
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| ISSN: | 1935-7877 1935-7885 |
