Examining the challenges and benefits of flexible, experiential learning opportunities in undergraduate life science courses

Ugonna Ani
MSc Student 
Department of Biochemistry

Date: February 17, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Room: CSF 1302

Abstract:

Experiential learning in undergraduate courses is a salient teaching strategy that allows for hands-on, real-world applications and activities to improve students' comprehension of concepts. By increasing access to flexible experiential learning opportunities in undergraduate life sciences, courses can also take into account each student's unique needs, interests, and learning pace to deepen their understanding of life science concepts and connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. This study investigates the impact of flexible, open lab sessions on student success while also identifying potential challenges encountered in flexible open lab sessions using undergraduate students enrolled in life science courses. Student success in this context of this study is defined here as academic achievement, self-efficacy, student engagement, and attainment of personal academic goals.