Learning Independence through Guided-Inquiry in a Bioanalytical Laboratory Course

To increase learning independence, student skill base, knowledge retention, and critical thinking we have developed a bioanalytical lab course that guides students through the laboratory skills first introduced in analytical chemistry and applies them to biochemistry within one semester. This poster will outline the strategies incorporated into the course to increase laboratory skills, learning, and independence. The audience will be introduced to our pedagogic course design which includes a multi-level scaffolding that is systematically removed as the semester progresses intended to produce more independent learners. We also incorporated a multi-stage assessment plan for assessing learning, acquisition of lab skills, and student confidence in this course. Results of student confidence in learning and lab skills and attitudes as the course progresses will be presented from the first semester offering. The pedagogic evaluation and learning assessment methods presented can be applied to any course with a multiple-project component.