Actions to be Implemented
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The QEP seeks to implement an innovative strategy focused on improving student learning through increased exposure to content-specific
knowledge, development of critical thinking skills and use of high impact active learning strategies. Implementation of the QEP will be carried out with the involvement of constituencies
including students, faculty, and staff. These constituencies will be involved with
the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, informed with yearly progress
reports, and engaged in the improvements and modifications to the plan.听
FOCUS sessions will be integrated into all sections of these courses and will be designed
by a recently hired biology faculty member who also serves as the QEP Coordinator.
Although BIOL 1014 and 1020 will remain 3 credit hour courses, the FOCUS session will
be taught as a fourth class hour during the week to enhance content understanding
and application through active learning strategies used to develop students鈥� critical
thinking skills and discipline-specific knowledge. FOCUS sessions will enhance the
environment of student learning to promote the mission and vision of the university.
The FOCUS sessions aim to make the student an active learner, to enhance critical
thinking, and to impart metacognitive skills. It is intended that the didactic lectures
for each course will remain the same with the content delivery at the sole discretion
of the instructor. The weekly one-hour long FOCUS sessions will be directed and taught
by the QEP coordinator in a student-centered environment in which critical and analytical thinking will be addressed by integrating broader
biological themes within each session. Cooperative problem solving, case studies, discussions, and tutorials that link concepts will be used.听
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