Implementation and evaluation of the Model of the Use of Evolutionary Trees (MUET) curricular module in an introductory organismal biology course. Issue 15 (13th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kong, Yi; Apodaca, Jennifer; Olimpo, Jeffrey T.
• Is Part Of: International journal of science education. Volume 44:Issue 15(2022)
• Page Start: 2381
• Page End: 2396
• Publication Date: 2022-10-13
• Subjects: MUET -- phylogenetic trees -- tree thinking -- evolutionary trees -- introductory biology -- curricular module -- active learning; Science -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Science teachers -- Periodicals; 507
• DOI: 10.1080/09500693.2022.2124132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0693

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Model of the Use of Evolutionary Trees (MUET)-curricular module that systematically and comprehensively introduces the learning of evolutionary trees for the lower-level college students was developed and implemented in an introductory organismal biology laboratory course at a mid-size, doctoral degree-granting institution. A quasi-experimental, nonrandomised control group, pretest–posttest research design was used to assess students' improvement of their tree-thinking ability. In this study, the students in the MUET-curricular module were the experimental group ( N = 174) and the students in the traditional curricular module were the control group ( N = 170). Paired t -test results revealed a statistically significant increase in students' tree-thinking ability in the MUET-curricular module ( t (173) = −4.38; p < 0.001). Wilcoxon signed rank test results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in students' self-reported perceptions of their tree-thinking ability in the cognitive dimension in the MUET-curricular module ( z = −5.68, p < 0.01, r = −0.32). Results show that the MUET-curricular module can be used in the introductory biology contexts as an effective teaching resource in the teaching and learning of tree-thinking.