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Biology 1 Activity: Equity, Learning Outcomes, Assessment

Reflection on Instructional Change:

ACUE DC1: Establishing Powerful Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are challenging to write. I have been working on adding learning objectives to all my modules for one of my online courses. Other than course level outcomes, there were no learning outcomes for the course, so I started by looking at the material I covered in each module and thought about what the most important concepts for them were to understand. I then used a word list of possible learning outcomes for the different cognitive levels and tried to create several learning outcomes for each module that used different cognitive levels of learning. Some challenges I faced are we cover so much content in biology courses, that it is extremely difficult to summarize it all with a few objectives for each module. I also have a difficult time creating learning outcomes that target higher levels of learning.

Adding learning outcomes to my class has helped students better understand what they will be learning and what they will be expected to know for assessments. Assessment grades have seemed higher since I added learning outcomes. Students also appreciate understanding why they are completing the assignments and seem more motivated.

I found all the ACUE modules helpful. I especially like the videos with instructors discussing the practices, how they use them, and why they are beneficial. I also liked the discussion forums and reading how other instructors were using the course materials. They often had creative solutions to challenges.

In my own Observe and Analyze session, my takeaway was the importance of using learning outcomes to teach classes. I realized I need to make sure all my verbs are actionable, and I need to share the learning outcomes with students at the beginning of classes.

**Evidence of Instructional Change**
Example of learning outcomes added to modules	Sample of final student group project	Example of an assignment important for workplace skills

Changes in Course Syllabus and Schedules:

Pre FLC -BIO 1 Activity Syllabus

Post FLC - BIO 1 Activity Syllabus

Faculty Bio

	I am a lecturer in the Biology department at CSUS. I also teach biology at American River College. I began teaching almost 20 years ago, following taking a Seminar in College Teaching at UC Davis. I was inspired about what college teaching could be. I love teaching and helping students succeed.

**Program Sponsors**
	This work was supported by: National Science Foundation Hispanic Serving Institution Project STEM Zone DUE 1832335 US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution Project Degree with a Purpose P031S210061 US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution Project STEM4Equity P031C210012 *Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the US Department of Education.