Equitably Improving Scientific Literacy Through Transparent Design and Inclusive Pedagogy in a Liberal Education K1 Laboratory Course, Biol 181

Abstract

Scientific literacy involves development of skills and knowledge to better understand how science works and what scientific evidence can tell us about the world. The UW-EC Liberal Education Framework addresses scientific literacy through its K1 Outcome: describe and evaluate models of the natural and physical world through collection, scientific analysis of data, and use of mathematical or computational methods. Biology 181, Laboratory for Environmental Biology and Conservation, now has a K1 lab designation. The goal of this project was to redesign this laboratory course using best practices of transparent design and inclusive pedagogy to increase scientific literacy. Research suggests that all students, and particularly students from underrepresented groups, should benefit more from inclusive and intentional strategies/practices.