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Using the Web to Encourage Student-generated Questions in Large-Format Introductory Biology Classes

James T. Colbert^*, Joanne K. Olson, and Michael P. Clough

Departments of *Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and Curriculum and Instruction, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010

Monitoring Editor: Debra Tomanek

Address correspondence to: James T. Colbert (jtcolber{at}iastate.edu)

Students rarely ask questions related to course content in large-format introductory classes. The use of a Web-based forum devoted to student-generated questions was explored in a second-semester introductory biology course. Approximately 80% of the enrolled students asked at least one question about course content during each of three semesters during which this approach was implemented. About 95% of the students who posted questions reported reading the instructor's response to their questions. Although doing so did not contribute to their grade in the course, approximately 75% of the students reported reading questions posted by other students in the class. Approximately 60% of the students reported that the Web-based question-asking activity contributed to their learning of biology.