ERIC Number: EJ1298365
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-231X
EISSN: N/A
Peer-Led Team Learning as Educational Tool for First-Year Biology Students
Arvelo-Márquez, Lillian; Méndez-Merced, Ana T.; Monterrubio-Álvarez, José; Malavé-Llamas, Karlo; Lizardi-O'Neill, Lilliam; Bayuelo-Flórez, Ezequiel De J.; Soto-Sonera, José
Journal of College Science Teaching, v50 n5 p24-31 May-Jun 2021
This article reports the findings of the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model intervention study in an introductory biology course at a Puerto Rican private university. PLTL introduces to the traditional class format an additional workshop session in which students interact in small groups to solve challenging exercises under the guidance of a peer leader. The questions to be answered are: (1) Does PLTL advance the understanding and learning of biology concepts?; and (2) Does PLTL increase the number of students passing the course? The methodology consisted of a quantitative approach comparing differences between control (non-PLTL) and experimental (PLTL) groups. Data collection included: final grades, pretests/posttests, opinion questionnaires, and postsession quizzes. The analysis showed an increase in the percent of successful final grades and quizzes, and less dropouts of PLTL over non-PLTL groups. A significant gain of learning was observed between pretest and posttest of both groups (P[less than or equal to]0.05), with no difference among groups. Students' questionnaires resulted in a higher percentage of positive opinion for the PLTL model. In conclusion, PLTL is a positive educational model for students who struggle to succeed in their introductory science courses.
Descriptors: College Science, Science Instruction, Undergraduate Students, Introductory Courses, Biology, Peer Teaching, Teamwork, Teaching Methods, Grades (Scholastic), Program Effectiveness, Student Attitudes, Tests, Scores, Dropout Rate, Student Leadership, Student Behavior, Cooperative Learning
National Science Teaching Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: https://www.nsta.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Puerto Rico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A