The Capstone Class is a transdisciplinary research course in which students work to find solutions to real community problems! The figure below shows the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) instructional design model for the course. Learn more about Problem-based Learning on the Active Learning Spectrum.
Using a problem-based student learning model (Merrill, 2002), this course allows you to conceptualize, propose, perform and present a scientific research study to address a real problem within our community. You will select one of the community-based problems and further cultivate the relationship with the service organization. You will write a formal scientific research proposal, engage in hands-on laboratory and fieldwork to address the problem, communicate progress/solutions with the community service organization and present your project at a final, culminating poster presentation. You will be assessed, using rubrics, for accomplishment of curricular and service-based learning objectives.
Merrill, M. D. (2002). First Principles of Instruction. Educational Research Training and Development. 50. 43-59.
The figure at left shows a modification of Merrill's model. We have reported on this and the Capstone course as a whole in A Cultured Learning Environment: Implementing a Problem- and Service-Based Microbiology Capstone Course to Assess Process and Skill-Based Learning Objectives.
Merrill, M. D. (2002). First Principles of Instruction. Educational Research Training and Development. 50. 43-59.
The figure at left shows a modification of Merrill's model. We have reported on this and the Capstone course as a whole in A Cultured Learning Environment: Implementing a Problem- and Service-Based Microbiology Capstone Course to Assess Process and Skill-Based Learning Objectives.
Rachel was invited to give the Keynote at the Wyoming Department of Education's Innovations Conference. She was also asked to share this story as an invited lecture to a Haub School course. We invite you to watch her lecture entitled Seeking Solutions to the World’s Wicked Problems by Building Community Across K-12, Higher Education, and the Professions.
