Culturally relevant inquiry-based laboratory module implementations in upper-division genetics and cell biology teaching laboratories.

ABSTRACT: Today, more minority students are entering undergraduate programs than ever before, but they earn only 6% of all science or engineering PhDs awarded in the United States. Many studies suggest that hands-on research activities enhance students' interest in pursuing a research career. In this paper, we present a model for the implementation of laboratory research in the undergraduate teaching laboratory using a culturally relevant approach to engage students. Laboratory modules were implemented in upper-division genetics and cell biology courses using cassava as the central theme. Students were asked to bring cassava samples from their respective towns, which allowed them to compare their field-collected samples against known lineages from agricultural stations at the end of the implementati

SUBMITTER: Siritunga D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3164568 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature