Curating lesson level learning objectives for non-majors introductory biology

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Authors: Peggy Brickman, Cara L. Gormally
Cited by: 0
References: 23

Abstract

principles about what to teach introductory biology majors. In contrast, faculty have not reached a consensus concerning the learning goals for introductory non-majors courses. Yet, more than 8 out of 10 undergraduates are not science majors. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate learning objectives for non-majors introductory biology courses. We performed a modified-Delphi study of learning objectives (LOs) for non-majors biology. We engaged a total of 38 biology faculty experts from institutions across the United States in three iterative rounds to identify, rate, discuss, and re-rate 270 LOs for non-majors biology courses. Faculty provided feedback to determine whether the LOs are critical for students to learn and if the LOs encompass what students need to learn about an issue, as well as if anything were missing. As a result of expert evaluation, 60.7% of LOs (164) were deemed critical. Experts also suggested 22 additional new LOs.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Educational Assessment and Pedagogy Science Education and Pedagogy Evolution and Science Education

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education
Volume
27
Issue
1
Pages
e0027525–e0027525
Publication date
13 January 2026
Language
EN