Improving Community College Student Learning Outcomes in Biology

Abstract

Improving student learning outcomes in basic science courses through the introduction of innovative teaching strategies is a challenging goal.  Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (the Keller method) is an instructional method that is grounded in theory and that focuses on improving learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of the Keller method would be beneficial for community college biology students, leading to improved learning outcomes and neutralizing learning disparities associated with student gender and race/ethnicity.