The 204E sections are part of a pilot project intended to strengthen students' study skills while they are taking the introductory biology lecture through skill building exercises (metacognition) and group study. Students who took this course the past several semesters including Athletic Training, Biology, Chemistry, and Exercise Science majors indicated the enhanced portion of the course made a tremendous difference in their ability to succeed in BIOL 204 (SEE TESTIMONIALS BELOW). It helped those who already considered themselves to be good students as well as those students who felt they needed more help. Some of the topics covered include: time management, note taking, reading science textbooks, previewing material before lectures, studying for a science test, concept mapping, learning to concentrate, and more). Several students also reported it helped them in their other courses.
You will notice on Wingspan that the BIOL 204E sections of the class meet and complete the requirements (exams and other assignments) with the rest of the class during the Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday lectures, but there is a mandatory Friday supplemental instruction session for 204E students that is facilitated by a Biology Department graduate student in collaboration with the course instructor. The Friday sessions meet between 9am or 2:00pm and last for an hour each week.
Below are excerpts from students who have taken the course over the last couple of
years:
"Loved 204E, extremely helpful, could not have gotten the grade I got without it."
"Yes, it helped me develop a better understanding for biology as well as develop
better study habits."
"There was an extremely helpful balance [of metacognition and course material]. The
material allowed me to practice the metacognitive exercises, but also not make it
feel like another lecture class."
"Instead of having a professor lead it, I thought it was a good idea [to have a graduate
student] because she could relate to us more."
"I did find it helpful in learning study skills and how to improve the way I personally
prepared myself for class"
"I absolutely loved this class, it was extremely helpful! Make sure you let students
know that this is a great way to get that A in BIO 204!"
"I have bad time management, and this class helped me manage my time more efficiently"
"Yes, I did find this class helpful. I am not really a person to study outside of
class, so this the projects that were assigned it forced me to look at the material
and realize how much that improves my scores."
"Yes, the course provided me with study tools that are easy to use and can be applied
to my field"
"Yes, it helped me to evaluate myself an made me develop new smart techniques for
studying, time management, and planning."
"Yes, BIOL 204E taught me several different and more effective ways to study and retain
information"
