Analysis of a student-centered learning environment to teach Biochemistry

Author(s)

Camila Aparecida Tolentino Cicuto

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física (IF/SBI)
• Defense date: 2016-01-12

Examining board members

Bayardo Baptista Torres; Agnaldo Arroio; Eduardo Galembeck; Myriam Krasilchik

• Advisor: Bayardo Baptista Torres

Abstract

On student-centered teaching, the focus is shifted from the teacher to the student. The purpose of this survey was to verify the effects of the environment provided on a Biochemistry course for expectations, motivation, learning strategies, evaluation of the teaching efficiency, participation, attendance and performance. In this scenario, two core dynamics are applied: study periods (SP) and discussion groups (DG). The data gathering involved the use of questionnaires, performance tests and semi-structured interviews. The data analysis gathered both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results obtained for expectations and meeting of expectations showed prominence of the highest level of the Likert scale for all statements on general aspects and teaching method. The comparison between these instruments indicated that most students had their expectations met or exceeded in the Biochemistry course. Not only that, it was verified that the expectations for workload were greater than the perceived workload and the expectations of performance were also greater than the effective performance in the course. The results on motivation indicated that the course contributed to the students´ high levels of intrinsic motivation, self-efficiency, active learning strategies and the value of scientific learning. In addition, it was verified that the students were more or equally motivated on the Biochemistry course compared to other courses in the first year. The patterns obtained show the role of SP and DG in stimulating the active and autonomous participation of the students and contributing to their continued motivation and interest in the process of teaching and learning. Regarding the learning strategies, the results indicated that the collaborative strategies were effective in learning Biochemistry: the strategies of explanation for the group and discussion were frequent and well received. The responses on teaching efficiency showed that 80% of the students thought the teaching was efficient. The results for participation and attendance showed that the majority had high levels for those variables, however more than 25% indicated participation less than or equal to 5 (in a 1-10 scale) and 32% presented a high rate of absenteeism. This is a relevant data because absenteeism in a course with active methods excludes the opportunity to collaborate with peers. The main justification for the low participation is the work overload generated by other courses. Regarding performance, 37% of the students failed, a higher percentage than in previous years. In order to understand the reasons that resulted in the subpar performance, a comparison was made between the approved and unapproved group in regard to the variables investigated in this survey. The results revealed that the students with high participation and/or high attendance displayed higher performance than those with low participation and/or low attendance. Interviews held to understand in greater detail the poor performance of these students made possible to confirm the patterns of quantitative analysis: the classes overload compromised the participation and attendance of students in Biochemistry course. The joint assessment of the results confirmed the positive effect of this innovative approach to the investigated variables, despite the significant influence of external factors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/25868-3 - Active learning environments in the Biochemistry Education: implications for motivation, learning strategies, expectations, performance and students' evaluations of effectiveness of teaching
• Grantee: Camila Aparecida Tolentino Cicuto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate