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Klymkowsky, Mike

Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • Our educational studies focus on how the design of instructional materials and generative AI-powered tutorial/analysis system influence student engagement, thinking, and learning outcomes. We are using trained generative AI socratic biology chatbots and working on determining 'best practices' for using these tools as tutors and evaluators. As part of a long term collaboration with Melanie Cooper (Michigan State University), we have produced free (open educational resources) and redesigned course materials (textbooks and activities) focussed on core concepts and mechanistic explanations for general and organic chemistry (CLUE/OCLUE) and molecular biology (biofundamentals) together with a web-based graphical assessment system (beSocratic). We are looking incorporate the various abilities of ChatGPT4 (and related tools) to make course materials more interactive. We hope turn these tools into independent not-for-profit entities. We are encouraged by the recent demonstrated impacts on student learning and success of concept-based materials (e.g. CLUE). In particular, work by Ralph et al., (2022. Advancing Equity in STEM: JACS Au, 2, 1869-1880) indicates that a greater conceptual focus can positively impact the success of under-privileged students and improve learning outcomes for all students. I have been working with Michael Stowell (MCDB, UC Boulder) on developing modules for the SkillCenter Courses (MCDB 1234, 3456, 4567) aimed at providing students with real world, certifiable technical training.

keywords

  • course and curricular design, the evaluation and improvement of science (biology) education, interactive instructional materials. cell and molecular biology, developmental mechanisms,

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • EBIO 4811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2020
    Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150 and MCDB 3145. Same as EDUC 6811 and MCDB 4811 and MCDB 5811 and EDUC 4811.
  • EDUC 4811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
    Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Same as EDUC 6811 and MCDB 4811 and MCDB 5811 and EBIO 4811. Recommended prerequisite: At least two semesters of Biology.
  • EDUC 6811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
    Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Same as EDUC 4811 and MCDB 4811 and MCDB 5811.
  • FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2018
    Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
  • MCDB 2222 - Core Concepts in Biology II: Genes, Genetics and Phenotypes
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
    Web-based, in-class discussion course focused on the origins of genetic variation and inheritance, genome dynamics and gene expression and their relationship to phenotype(s). Interpreting, explaining and answering questions scientifically as well as quantitative reasoning are stress. Course fulfills the departmental requirement for MCDB 2150. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 2150.
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Background

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