Research

Investigating and improving undergraduate data analysis and graphing practices in biology

Current Project:

Grappling with graphs: Researching and improving student graphing skills using an interactive digital graphing tool. (2017-2020) NSF # 1726180 (PI: Stephanie Gardner; Co-PIs: Joel Abraham, CSU-Fullerton and Eli Meir, SimBiotic Software).

Data analysis includes the creation of visual displays to facilitate the exploration of the data to help make meaning and identify potential trends in addition to communicating the findings for others to view. This project aims to make use of a digital graphing tool to reveal student thinking and practices in graphing as part of data analysis. The long-term goal is to develop a suite of digital learning modules to assist instructors and introductory students’ with learning of graphing in biology.

People:

• Aakanksha Angra (currently at Georgia State University)
• Nouran Amin
• Elizabeth Suazo-Flores (currently at Purdue University)
• Anupriya Karippadath

Relevant Publications:

Gardner, S. M., Suazo-Flores, E., Maruca, S., Abraham, J. K., Karippadath, A., & Meir, E. (2021). Biology Undergraduate Students’ Graphing Practice in Digital Versus Pen and Paper Graphing Environments. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 1-16. doi:10.1007/s10956-020-09886-w

Angra, A., & Gardner, S. M. (2018). The Graph Rubric: Development of a Teaching, Learning, and Research Tool. CBE - Life Sciences Education, 17(4), 1-18. doi:10.1187/cbe.18-01-0007

Angra, A., & Gardner, S. M. (2017). Reflecting on Graphs: Attributes of Graph Choice and Construction Practices in Biology. CBE - Life Sciences Education, 16(3), 1-15. doi:10.1187/cbe.16-08-0245

Angra, A., & Gardner, S. M. (2016). Development of a Framework for Graph Choice and Construction. Advances in Physiology Education, 40(1), 123-128. doi:10.1152/advan.00152.2015