Motivating students and improving engagement in biology units using online QS modules

Leon Poladian; Cenk Suphioglu; Vilma Simbag; Shaun Belward; Yvonne Hodgson; Prasad Chunduri; Lesley Lluka; Jenny Di Trapani; Dianne Watters; Carmel Coady; Jo-Anne Chuck; Juiie Markham

Authors

Leon Poladian University of Sydney
Cenk Suphioglu Deakin University
Vilma Simbag Deakin University
Shaun Belward James Cook University
Yvonne Hodgson Monash University
Prasad Chunduri The University of Queensland
Lesley Lluka The University of Queensland
Jenny Di Trapani Griffith University
Dianne Watters Griffith University
Carmel Coady University of Western Sydney
Jo-Anne Chuck University of Western Sydney
Juiie Markham University of Western Sydney

Abstract

MathBench biology modules represent one example of how biology educators can incorporate materials to improve quantitative skills and reasoning into introductory courses. The MathBench- Australia project not only aims to ensure that the science and the maths content of MathBench (USA) modules are accurate, but also appropriate to an Australian context, and further aid to minimise students’ negative attitude towards quantitative skills and increase student engagement. Hence, in this ideas exchange we will explore the strategies to embed the contextualised MathBench modules in first and second year science units to improve student engagement and students’ QS.

Author Biographies

Leon Poladian, University of Sydney

Associate Professor School of Mathematics and Statistics University of Sydney
Cenk Suphioglu, Deakin University

Associate Professor School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University
Vilma Simbag, Deakin University

Project Manager School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University
Shaun Belward, James Cook University

Senior Lecturer College of Science, Engineering and Technology James Cook University
Yvonne Hodgson, Monash University

Associate Professor School of Biomedical Sciences Monash University
Prasad Chunduri, The University of Queensland

Associate Lecturer School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Queensland
Lesley Lluka, The University of Queensland

Associate Professor School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Queensland
Jenny Di Trapani, Griffith University

Senior Lecturer School of Natural Sciences Griffith University
Dianne Watters, Griffith University

Associate Professor School of Biomolecular and Physical Sciences Griffith University
Carmel Coady, University of Western Sydney

Associate Professor School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics University of Western Sydney
Jo-Anne Chuck, University of Western Sydney

Academic Course Advisor School of Science and Health University of Western Sydney
Juiie Markham, University of Western Sydney

Lecturer School of Science and Health University of Western Sydney