A Team-Based Activity to Support Knowledge Transfer and Experimental Design Skills of Undergraduate Science Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Experimental design may be considered an essential learning objective of undergraduate science education. This skill not only requires learners to be able to identify novel questions, generate hypotheses, create experimental models, and anticipate data outcomes but also demands that students are able to effectively transfer and apply knowledge from previous learning experiences to novel contexts. Here, I describe a team-based activity for upper-level undergraduate science courses that aims to strengthen students’ skills in experimental design and transfer of knowledge. Instructional resources are provided to facilitate straightforward application in courses of diverse science disciplines and delivery modes.

Keywords

• experimental design
• peer feedback
• team-based learning
• knowledge integration
• research proposal
• knowledge transfer