From the National Academies: The Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Undergraduate Science Education through Introductory Courses

Abstract

Unlike previous articles that have informed readers of Cell Biology Education about education initiatives at the National Academies, this article is written primarily to stimulate and elicit your comments and feedback about introductory undergraduate science courses and ways to better serve a changing and more diverse student body. I hope to stimulate an exchange of ideas through an electronic discussion forum (details are provided below). Contributions from readers will be posted by CBE and made available to the members of the National Research Council’s Board on Science Education, which is seeking input from the postsecondary science education community about the most critical issues related to introductory undergraduate science courses. Input from CBE readers, participants at a small workshop held in June 2004, and participants in other activities will guide the Board in deciding on possible studies or other programs that will explore high-priority issues in greater detail.