Advancing active learning in biochemistry: an NSF‐funded project

Biochemistry at Seattle University has been taught using small groups and instructor‐designed activities for eleven years. The long‐term success of this course led the National Science Foundation to fund a project to test, improve, and disseminate our materials at institutions nationwide. Any attempt to improve biochemistry learning nationally must account for the interdisciplinary nature of the field as well as ASBMB curriculum guidelines. We asked expert biochemists to map ASBMB guidelines onto our classroom activities. It was found that most content and many skill areas were addressed by existing activities. A small number of gaps were identified and addressed at a workshop in which biochemists collaborated to write new activities. In the current academic year, instructors from a diversity of settings, including a large research university, are using our materials and providing feedback. Participating faculty are also administering preliminary versions of pre‐ and post‐tests to examine conceptual gains made as a result of the activities. Results from conceptual gains testing will be used to improve assessment instruments in preparation for large‐scale testing in the 2009‐10 academic year.