1
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Tyler L, Kennelly PJ, Engelman S, Block KF, Bobenko JC, Catalano J, Jones JA, Kanipes-Spinks MI, Lim YM, Loertscher J, Olafimihan T, Reiss H, Upchurch-Poole TL, Wei Y, Linenberger Cortes KJ, Moore VDG, Dries DR. Evolution of a self-renewing, participant-centered workshop series in BMB assessment. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2024; 52:58-69. [PMID: 37815098 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
We present as a case study the evolution of a series of participant-centered workshops designed to meet a need in the life sciences education community-the incorporation of best practices in the assessment of student learning. Initially, the ICABL (Inclusive Community for the Assessment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/BMB Learning) project arose from a grass-roots effort to develop material for a national exam in biochemistry and molecular biology. ICABL has since evolved into a community of practice in which participants themselves-through extensive peer review and reflection-become integral stakeholders in the workshops. To examine this evolution, this case study begins with a pilot workshop supported by seed funding and thoughtful programmatic assessment, the results of which informed evidence-based changes that, in turn, led to an improved experience for the community. Using participant response data, the case study also reveals critical features for successful workshops, including participant-centered activities and the value of frequent peer review of participants' products. Furthermore, we outline a train-the-trainer model for creating a self-renewing community by bringing new perspectives and voices into an existing core leadership team. This case study, then, offers a blueprint for building a thriving, evolving community of practice that not only serves the needs of individual scientist-educators as they seek to enhance student learning, but also provides a pathway for elevating members to positions of leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Tyler
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter J Kennelly
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Shelly Engelman
- Research and Evaluation, Custom EduEval LLC, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Kirsten F Block
- Education, Professional Development and Outreach, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer C Bobenko
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaclyn Catalano
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jesica A Jones
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, La Sierra University, Riverside, USA
| | - Margaret I Kanipes-Spinks
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yang Mooi Lim
- Department of Preclinical Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman - Kampus Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang, Malaysia
| | | | - Tejiri Olafimihan
- Education, Professional Development and Outreach, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Hailey Reiss
- Education, Professional Development and Outreach, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Yufeng Wei
- Department of Chemistry, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel R Dries
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA
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Moore VDG, Cortes K, Block KF, Engelman S, Kanipes M, Kennelly PJ, Lim YM, Loertscher J, Olafimihan T, Tyler L, Upchurch‐Poole TL, Dries DR. Building ICABL: An Inclusive Community for the Assessment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Learning. FASEB J 2022. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.0i175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Cortes
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryKennesaw State UniversityKennesawGA
| | - Kirsten F. Block
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyRockvilleMD
| | | | - Margaret Kanipes
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical UniversityGreensboroNC
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3
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Villafañe SM, Minderhout V, Heyen BJ, Lewis JE, Manley A, Murray TA, Tienson-Tseng H, Loertscher J. Design and Implementation of a Tool to Assess Students' Understanding of Metabolic Pathways Dynamics and Regulation. CBE Life Sci Educ 2021; 20:ar35. [PMID: 34100646 PMCID: PMC8715806 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.20-04-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic systems form the very foundation of life and as such are broadly taught in the molecular life sciences. Here, we describe the biochemistry educator community-based development and use of an assessment instrument designed to evaluate students' ideas about metabolic pathway dynamics and regulation in undergraduate biochemistry courses. Analysis of student responses showed that most students were able to interpret visual representations in an unfamiliar metabolic pathway and that many could make basic predictions about how the system would be expected to respond to changes. However, fewer students generated nuanced responses that accounted for both microscopic changes at the protein level and macroscopic changes in pathway product outputs. These findings identify some of the challenges of meaningfully assessing students' understanding of metabolic pathways and could inform how instructors think about teaching and assessing metabolism in undergraduate biochemistry and beyond. The results also suggest future avenues for biochemistry education research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachel M. Villafañe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92834
| | | | - Bruce J. Heyen
- Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
| | - Jennifer E. Lewis
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Improvement of Teaching & Research in Undergraduate STEM Education, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | - Andrew Manley
- Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122
| | - Tracey A. Murray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Capital University, Columbus, OH 43209
| | - Heather Tienson-Tseng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Zeidan Q, Loertscher J, Wolfson AJ, Tansey JT, Offerdahl EG, Kennelly PJ, Dries DR, Moore VDG, Dean DM, Carastro LM, Villafañe SM, Tyler L. Development of a Certification Exam to Assess Undergraduate Students' Proficiency in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Core Concepts. CBE Life Sci Educ 2021; 20:es6. [PMID: 33900121 PMCID: PMC8734381 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.19-12-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With support from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), a community of biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) scientist-educators has developed and administered an assessment instrument designed to evaluate student competence across four core concept and skill areas fundamental to BMB. The four areas encompass energy and metabolism; information storage and transfer; macromolecular structure, function, and assembly; and skills including analytical and quantitative reasoning. First offered in 2014, the exam has now been administered to nearly 4000 students in ASBMB-accredited programs at more than 70 colleges and universities. Here, we describe the development and continued maturation of the exam program, including the organic role of faculty volunteers as drivers and stewards of all facets: content and format selection, question development, and scoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quira Zeidan
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rockville, MD 20852
| | | | | | - John T. Tansey
- Chemistry Department, Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Otterbein University, Westerville, OH 43081
| | - Erika G. Offerdahl
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
| | - Peter J. Kennelly
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Daniel R. Dries
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA 16652
| | | | - Diane M. Dean
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT 06117
| | - L. Michael Carastro
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physics, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL 33606
| | - Sachel M. Villafañe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Ludmila Tyler
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
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Del Gaizo Moore V, Cortes K, Dries D, Kanipes M, Kennelly P, Loertscher J, Tyler L, Zeidan Q. An Inclusive Workshop Centered on Assessment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Learning Outcomes. FASEB J 2021. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.04464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Cortes
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryKennesaw State UniversityKennesawGA
| | - Daniel Dries
- Chemistry and BiochemistryJuniata CollegeHuntingtonPA
| | | | - Peter Kennelly
- BiochemistryVirginia Polytechnic Institute & State UniversityBlacksburgVA
| | | | - Ludmila Tyler
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstMA
| | - Quira Zeidan
- American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyRockvilleMD
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Loertscher J, Villafane S, Minderhout V. Assessing students’ understanding of metabolic pathway dynamics and regulation. FASEB J 2021. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.02064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sachel Villafane
- Chemistry and BiochemistryCalifornia State University, FullertonFullertonCA
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Tyler L, Zeidan Q, Wolfson A, Villafane‐Garcia S, Tansey J, Offerdahl E, Martin D, Loertscher J, Kennelly P, Kanipes M, Dries D, Del Gaizo Moore V, Dean D, Cortes K, Carastro L, Block K, Bailey C. Community‐supported Development of an Annual Exam Assessing Undergraduate Competencies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. FASEB J 2021. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.03893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Tyler
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstMA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Kennelly
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State UniversityBlacksburgVA
| | | | | | | | - Diane Dean
- University of Saint JosephWest HartfordCT
| | | | | | - Kirsten Block
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyRockvilleMD
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Manley A, Villafane SM, Lewis JE, Loertscher J, Minderhout V. Systems thinking in biochemistry: Assessing students’ understanding of metabolic pathway dynamics and regulation. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.04742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Wolfson AJ, Bailey C, Carastro LM, Dean DM, Del Gaizo Moore V, Dries DR, Kennelly PJ, Loertscher J, Martin D, Offerdahl EG, Tansey JT, Tyler L, Zeidan Q. The ASBMB Accreditation Program as a Grass‐roots Educational Effort. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Quira Zeidan
- The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Tyler L, Carastro LM, Zeidan Q, Wolfson AJ, Tansey JT, Offerdahl EG, Del Gazio Moore V, Martin D, Loertscher J, Kennelly PJ, Kanipes MI, Dries DR, Dean DM, Bailey C. Assessing Undergraduate Competencies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology via an Annual Exam. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Quira Zeidan
- American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Loertscher
- Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122, United States
| | - Vicky Minderhout
- Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122, United States
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12
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Del Gaizo Moore V, Loertscher J, Dean DM, Bailey CP, Kennelly PJ, Wolfson AJ. Structuring and Supporting Excellence in Undergraduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education: The ASBMB Degree Accreditation Program. CBE Life Sci Educ 2018; 17:le2. [PMID: 30444448 PMCID: PMC6755895 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.18-09-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diane M. Dean
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT 06117
| | - Cheryl P. Bailey
- School of Natural and Health Sciences & Education, Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI 53222
| | - Peter J. Kennelly
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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13
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Loertscher J, Feola S, Lemons P, Lewis J, Mercer A, Minderhout V. Use of a research‐based framework to guide instructional design and assessment related to noncovalent interactions in a biochemical context. FASEB J 2018. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.663.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Xu X, Lewis JE, Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Tienson HL. Small Changes: Using Assessment to Direct Instructional Practices in Large-Enrollment Biochemistry Courses. CBE Life Sci Educ 2017; 16:16/1/ar7. [PMID: 28188280 PMCID: PMC5332050 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.16-06-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple-choice assessments provide a straightforward way for instructors of large classes to collect data related to student understanding of key concepts at the beginning and end of a course. By tracking student performance over time, instructors receive formative feedback about their teaching and can assess the impact of instructional changes. The evidence of instructional effectiveness can in turn inform future instruction, and vice versa. In this study, we analyzed student responses on an optimized pretest and posttest administered during four different quarters in a large-enrollment biochemistry course. Student performance and the effect of instructional interventions related to three fundamental concepts-hydrogen bonding, bond energy, and pKa-were analyzed. After instructional interventions, a larger proportion of students demonstrated knowledge of these concepts compared with data collected before instructional interventions. Student responses trended from inconsistent to consistent and from incorrect to correct. The instructional effect was particularly remarkable for the later three quarters related to hydrogen bonding and bond energy. This study supports the use of multiple-choice instruments to assess the effectiveness of instructional interventions, especially in large classes, by providing instructors with quick and reliable feedback on student knowledge of each specific fundamental concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Improvement of Teaching and Research on Undergraduate STEM, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | - Jennifer E Lewis
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Improvement of Teaching and Research on Undergraduate STEM, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | | | | | - Heather L Tienson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Loertscher J, Lewis J, Minderhout V, Xu X. Using Threshold Concepts To Improve BMB Instruction – An Evidence Based Approach. FASEB J 2016. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.104.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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16
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Villafañe SM, Heyen BJ, Lewis JE, Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Murray TA. Design and testing of an assessment instrument to measure understanding of protein structure and enzyme inhibition in a new context. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2016; 44:179-190. [PMID: 26566786 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Assessment instruments designed to measure student conceptual understanding and skills proficiency related to biochemistry are important to transform undergraduate biochemistry education. The purpose of this study was to develop an assessment instrument to measure student understanding of protein structure and enzyme inhibition in a new context, that of saturable binding. A community of biochemistry educators was involved in an iterative process of designing and testing of this assessment, which consists of true/false and open-ended questions that map to low and high levels in Bloom's taxonomy. A total of 188 students' responses were collected from seven different institutions and were graded by two independent raters using a rubric. Results from this administration indicate that most students were able to answer the questions related to lower-levels in Bloom's taxonomy; however for higher-level questions, students had more difficulty. The results from this assessment can give instructors insight into the ways in which persistent incorrect or incomplete ideas related to protein structure and binding events can hinder knowledge application. Also, the use of a community of practice to develop assessment instruments of this type and the format of the instrument itself could be a useful model for development of assessment instruments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachel M Villafañe
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620
| | - Bruce J Heyen
- Department of Chemistry, Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas, 67063
| | - Jennifer E Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620
- Center for the Improvement of Teaching and Research in Undergraduate STEM Education, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620
| | | | - Vicky Minderhout
- Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, 98122
| | - Tracey Arnold Murray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, 43209
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Loertscher J. Biochemistry and molecular biology education research: moving from ideas to action. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2014; 42:257-258. [PMID: 24652688 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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18
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Loertscher J, Villafañe SM, Lewis JE, Minderhout V. Probing and improving student's understanding of protein α-helix structure using targeted assessment and classroom interventions in collaboration with a faculty community of practice. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2014; 42:213-223. [PMID: 24599610 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The increasing availability of concept inventories and other assessment tools in the molecular life sciences provides instructors with myriad avenues to probe student understanding. For example, although molecular visualization is central to the study of biochemistry, a growing body of evidence suggests that students have substantial limitations in their ability to recognize and interpret basic features of biological macromolecules. In this study, a pre/posttest administered to students at diverse institutions nationwide revealed a robust incorrect idea about the location of the amino acid side chains in the protein α-helix structure. Because this incorrect idea was present even after a semester of biochemistry instruction at a range of institutions, an intervention was necessary. A community of expert biochemistry instructors collaborated to design two active learning classroom activities that systematically examine α-helix structure and function. Several participating faculty used one or both of the activities in their classrooms and some improvement of student understanding of this concept was observed. This study provides a model of how a community of instructors can work together using assessment data to inform targeted changes in instruction with the goal of improving student understanding of fundamental concepts.
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Lin S, Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Green D, Lewis J. Use of student interviews to identify and refine threshold concepts for biochemistry (618.23). FASEB J 2014. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.618.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lin
- Seattle UniversitySeattleWAUnited States
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Green D, Lewis J. Identifying and refining threshold concepts for biochemistry using a community of faculty and students (618.1). FASEB J 2014. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.618.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Loertscher
- Seattle UniversitySeattleWAUnited States
- University of South FloridaTampaFLUnited States
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Abstract
Threshold concepts (TCs) are concepts that, when mastered, represent a transformed understanding of a discipline without which the learner cannot progress. We have undertaken a process involving more than 75 faculty members and 50 undergraduate students to identify a working list of TCs for biochemistry. The process of identifying TCs for biochemistry was modeled on extensive work related to TCs across a range of disciplines and included faculty workshops and student interviews. Using an iterative process, we prioritized five concepts on which to focus future development of instructional materials. Broadly defined, the concepts are steady state, biochemical pathway dynamics and regulation, the physical basis of interactions, thermodynamics of macromolecular structure formation, and free energy. The working list presented here is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather is meant to identify a subset of TCs for biochemistry for which instructional and assessment tools for undergraduate biochemistry will be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Green
- Center for Faculty Development, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122
| | - Jennifer E Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | - Sara Lin
- *Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122
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Loertscher J. A call to action answered: highlights from the ASBMB student-centered education in the molecular life sciences symposium. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2014; 42:79-80. [PMID: 24344001 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Loertscher
- Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, 98122Copyright 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2013
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Green D, Lewis J. Using threshold concepts to improve learning and drive curriculum reform in biochemistry. FASEB J 2013. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.838.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Loertscher J. Using a scholarly approach to improve teaching and learning in biochemistry higher education. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2012; 40:388-389. [PMID: 23166027 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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25
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Lewis JE, Villafane SM. Probing and improving students’ understanding of protein alpha helix structure using targeted assessment and classroom interventions. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.616.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Lewis JE, Villafane SM. Community‐based design and national testing of an assessment tool to measure student understanding of enzyme kinetics in undergraduate biochemistry. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.621.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Murray TA, Higgins P, Minderhout V, Loertscher J. Sustaining the development and implementation of student-centered teaching nationally: the importance of a community of practice. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2011; 39:405-411. [PMID: 22081543 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although the idea of using a workshop to educate potential users about a set of materials or techniques is not new, the workshops described here go beyond simple dissemination and create ongoing communities of practice that support widespread and sustained improvement in the biochemistry classroom. The degree to which pedagogical innovations improve student learning on a national level depends on how broadly they are disseminated and how they are implemented and sustained. Workshops can be effective in disseminating ideas and techniques, but they often fail to sustain implementation. This paper describes Core Collaborators Workshops (CCWs) that were specifically designed for biochemistry faculty to improve the quality of active learning materials, support faculty in transforming their classrooms, and disseminate these efforts nationally. This CCW model proved very effective to date as shown by the fact that, 8 months after the last CCW, all workshop participants reported using at least some of the instructional materials discussed during the workshop. In addition, participants remarked that the superior community building and direct mentoring available through the CCWs greatly increased their confidence in implementing this new curricular approach and has made them more likely to act as leaders themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Loertscher
- Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington 98122, USA.
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Villafañe SM, Bailey CP, Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Lewis JE. Development and analysis of an instrument to assess student understanding of foundational concepts before biochemistry coursework. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2011; 39:102-109. [PMID: 21445901 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Biochemistry is a challenging subject because student learning depends on the application of previously learned concepts from general chemistry and biology to new, biological contexts. This article describes the development of a multiple-choice instrument intended to measure five concepts from general chemistry and three from biology that are considered prerequisite for biochemistry learning. This instrument is specifically designed with a factor structure that includes three multiple-choice items for each of the eight concepts and the most common incorrect ideas that students could have as distractors. It can be used as a pretest to identify students' incorrect ideas about those concepts and to determine if instruction helps students overcome those incorrect ideas when used as a posttest. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis support a very good fit for an eight-factor solution. This manuscript represents a report on the current state of instrument development. We seek to share our methods and instrument design principles with the broader community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachel M Villafañe
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
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Loertscher J. Using assessment to improve learning in the biochemistry classroom. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2010; 38:188-189. [PMID: 21567822 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Zhong JW, Loertscher J. The Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Orm2 is Required for Cold Adaptation in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FASEB J 2010. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.509.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V, Lewis J, Villafane S. Using assessment data to direct instructional practices in the biochemistry classroom. FASEB J 2010. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.530.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Lewis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of South FloridaTampaFL
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Minderhout V, Loertscher J, Lewis J, Villafane S. Advancing active learning in biochemistry: an NSF‐funded project. FASEB J 2009. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.538.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Loertscher J. Commentary: Teaching cognitive skills in the biochemistry classroom-A community effort. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2008; 36:435-436. [PMID: 21591234 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V. Promoting Content‐Independent Skills in the Biochemistry Active Learning Classroom. FASEB J 2008. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.104.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Moore P, Loertscher J. Cold adaptation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FASEB J 2008. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.1036.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Biochemistry courses at Seattle University have been taught exclusively using process oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) without any traditional lecture component since 1997. In these courses, students participate in a structured learning environment, which includes a preparatory assignment, an in-class activity, and a follow-up skill exercise. Instructor-designed learning activities provide the content of the course while the cooperative learning structure provides the content-free procedures that promote development of critical process skills needed for learning. This format enables students to initially explore a topic independently, work together in groups to construct and refine knowledge, and eventually develop deep understanding of the essential concepts. These stages of exploration and concept development form the foundation for application to high level biochemical problems. At the end of this course, most students report feeling confident in their knowledge of biochemistry and report substantial gains in independence, critical thinking, and respect for others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Minderhout
- From the Department of Chemistry, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington 98122.
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Loertscher J, Minderhout V. Preparing highly competent biochemists: the potential of the classroom. FASEB J 2007. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a296-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicky Minderhout
- Seattle UniversityDepartment of Chemistry901 12th AveSeattleWA98122
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Loertscher J, Larson LL, Matson CK, Parrish ML, Felthauser A, Sturm A, Tachibana C, Bard M, Wright R. Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation is required for cold adaptation and regulation of sterol biosynthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Eukaryot Cell 2006; 5:712-22. [PMID: 16607018 PMCID: PMC1459677 DOI: 10.1128/ec.5.4.712-722.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 01/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) mediates the turnover of short-lived and misfolded proteins in the ER membrane or lumen. In spite of its important role, only subtle growth phenotypes have been associated with defects in ERAD. We have discovered that the ERAD proteins Ubc7 (Qri8), Cue1, and Doa10 (Ssm4) are required for growth of yeast that express high levels of the sterol biosynthetic enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). Interestingly, the observed growth defect was exacerbated at low temperatures, producing an HMGR-dependent cold sensitivity. Yeast strains lacking UBC7, CUE1, or DOA10 also assembled aberrant karmellae (ordered arrays of membranes surrounding the nucleus that assemble when HMGR is expressed at high levels). However, rather than reflecting the accumulation of abnormal karmellae, the cold sensitivity of these ERAD mutants was due to increased HMGR catalytic activity. Mutations that compromise proteasomal function also resulted in cold-sensitive growth of yeast with elevated HMGR, suggesting that improper degradation of ERAD targets might be responsible for the observed cold-sensitive phenotype. However, the essential ERAD targets were not the yeast HMGR enzymes themselves. The sterol metabolite profile of ubc7Delta cells was altered relative to that of wild-type cells. Since sterol levels are known to regulate membrane fluidity, the viability of ERAD mutants expressing normal levels of HMGR was examined at low temperatures. Cells lacking UBC7, CUE1, or DOA10 were cold sensitive, suggesting that these ERAD proteins have a role in cold adaptation, perhaps through effects on sterol biosynthesis.
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Minelli M, Hoang ML, Kraus M, Kucera G, Loertscher J, Reynolds M, Timm N, Chiang MY, Powell D. The effect of substituents on the phenyl portion of the imido ligand on the structure and properties of molybdenum(VI) imido complexes. Inorg Chem 2002; 41:5954-60. [PMID: 12425620 DOI: 10.1021/ic025642x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anilines with alkyl substituents on the phenyl ring (ArNH2 = 2,4,6-trimethylaniline; 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,6-, and 3,4-dimethylaniline; and 2,6-diisopropylaniline) react with MoO(X)2(dtc)2 (X = Cl or Br; dtc = diethyldithiocarbamate) in methanol in the presence of 2 equiv of triethylamine to form ionic imido complexes of the type [MoNAr(dtc)3]2[Mo6O19] or MoNAr(dtc)3]4[Mo8O26]. The same reaction in THF with butyllithium as base yields imido complexes of the type MoNAr(X)2(dtc)2. The structures of three ionic, five chloro, and two bromo complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In all complexes, the molybenum center is a distorted pentagonal bipyramid. While the structures are similar, the angles of the imido linkages differ. The effect of the substituents on the phenyl ring of the imido ligand on the 95Mo NMR chemical shifts was determined. The Mo nucleus becomes more deshielded with the substituents in the following order: 3,4-Me2 < 2,3-Me2 < 2,4-Me2 < 2,6-Me2 < 2,4,6-Me3 < 2,6 isopropyl. Complexes with more deshielded 95Mo centers tend to have angles of the imido linkage that are closer to 180 degrees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Minelli
- Department of Chemistry, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa 50112, USA.
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