Biology class participates in study funded by Gates Foundation

An instructor and her biology class at Gadsden State Community College were selected for a study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted by researchers with Macmillan Learning, the publisher of textbooks and learning resources for colleges and universities. 

“Educational research guides instructors in developing methods and techniques that help students learn better,” said Susan King, the biology instructor at Gadsden State Cherokee. “We are excited to be a part of this study.” 

King was one of 40 instructors at higher-learning institutions across the country participating in the study. There will be 2,000 students participating as well. Students could be a part of the study voluntarily to earn multiple gift cards for their feedback and participation. 

“The study was focused on Evidence-based Teaching,” she said. “EBT practices are becoming more common in education. EBT refers to practices that research has shown has had the greatest impact on student learning. The practices are designed based on scientific evidence rather than tradition, personal judgment or other influences.” 

The study focused on the effectiveness of Achieve, an online learning tool that offers guidance to students and support for instructors. The study evaluated the impact of EBT practices within Achieve on learning outcomes for Black, Latino, Indigenous and/or lower-income students taking Biology. 

“Evaluating the degree to which the practices impact student outcomes will provide greater insight into how they affect those within the priority student populations,” King said. 

The amount of faculty support needed to effectively implement the EBT practices were also evaluated. Key equity insights and learnings were provided by the researchers. 

To participate in the study, instructors had to complete a baseline survey; participate in an interview and complete a weekly log indicating the implementation of EBT practices as well as their perceptions, benefits and challenges. They also agreed to participate in three classroom observations and two virtual observations. In the end, instructors completed a survey about how the EBT practices were implemented in the classroom. They also received $2,000 for their participation. 

Students took a background survey; completed a multiple-choice assessment of their knowledge of biology; and kept a weekly log detailing their opinions on the EBT practices. They also took a survey on which they expressed their feelings about the class and their perceptions of the online learning tool. 

Students received a $25 gift card for each survey and assessment they completed. A $50 Amazon gift card was awarded to those who completed 80 percent or more of their weekly logs.