WATERMAN, MARGARET A* AND ETHEL STANLEY. Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701., BioQUEST, Beloit College, Beloit, WI, 53511. - Investigative Case-Based Learning.
We would like to invite undergraduate biology faculty to discuss
teaching strategies for using case-based materials in their courses.
We will look specifically at a prototype LifeLines OnLine (BSA
version) configured for plant biology at http://bioquest.org/bsalife.
LifeLines OnLine is a web based resource of highly contextualized
learning materials that uses the accessible, familiar format of a
newspaper to support investigative, case-based learning strategies.
Students access these materials by reading items of interest, such as
headlines, articles, classifieds, editorials, comic strips and
obituaries that link to case-based extensions, e.g., interviews,
reports, emails, press releases, bibliographies and internet sites.
Students decide on questions to investigate, develop portfolios of
tools, methodologies and knowledge, and practice coming to defensible
resolutions of their questions. It is our goal to support the
building of information management skills needed not only for the
biology course, but also for lifelong learning.
Key words: case, learning, LifeLines, teaching