Meeting Abstract
Traditional upper-level laboratory courses emphasize hands-on experience with discipline-specific concepts and techniques. In order to increase student learning and engagement in such courses, we developed and implemented a novel pedagogy called Application-Based Service Learning (ABSL) into our laboratory courses. ABSL incorporates the high-impact practices of novel research, writing intensive assignments, collaborative projects and service learning applied to a community-based, real-world problem. The microbiology laboratory course centered on the community problem of feral cats, with students conducting novel research on feral cat microbial populations and by assisting at spay and neuter clinics. The physiology laboratory course centered on the community issue of water quality. Students conducted novel research on the effects of water contamination on physiological responses in aquatic animal models. The service learning component involved conducting water-based science activities with children at an after-school tutoring program while at the same time improving outreach skills and developing a sense of civic engagement. Student learning outcomes achieved with ABSL will be presented and the opportunities and challenges of implementing ABSL in a science laboratory course will be discussed.
