Using MERLOT to Improve Student Outcomes in Science and Math

Baptist College of Health Sciences Four-year, SACS accredited college Memphis, Tennessee 900+ Student enrollment Specializes in undergraduate health care education Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Bachelor of Health Science Degree in six majors –Sonography, Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Respiratory care, Nuclear medicine, and Health Care Management

A need to increase student success Enrollment Management Task Force analyzed student progression trends in 2005 Found lack of student success in math and science Frequent reason for students withdrawal/failure

Possible solution Title III 5-year Grant awarded in 2006 – $1,024,155 Purpose – to further initiatives of the school’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) & establish a matching endowment fund for future needs Established Course Specific Instructional Center (CSIC) in 2007 A student learning center designed to improve student outcomes

The Course Specific Instructional Center (CSIC) Located in the Science building with 2 study areas 3,000+ student logins recorded since Fall 2007 Computer lab equipped with 20 computers –Special software programs available –Adam (Animated Dissection of Anatomy for Medicine) –VH Dissector (Visible Human – cadaver dissection) –ALEKS (Assessment & Learning in Knowledge Spaces)

CSIC (continued) Tutoring and study area – one-on-one or group tutoring offered –10-15 Student peer tutors –6 Science Faculty tutors –2 Math Faculty tutors –Faculty offer workshops throughout the semester

Introduction of MERLOT MERLOT introduced to students Computer class – research assignment Explore sample sites In-class assignment – write paragraph giving feedback on information found and thoughts about using MERLOT

Students comments “In using MERLOT, I was able to easily find research information on homeostasis, the topic we studied in A&P 1 this week. I accessed the tutorial, Ben’s Bad Day, which tested my knowledge of the endocrine and nervous systems…The tutorial was definitely beneficial in my search for understanding homeostasis. In studying for tests in A&P 1, I will further utilize MERLOT as a supplemental tool for lecture and labs.”

Students comments “I would use this web site (merlot.org) in the future as I feel it would be helpful during those times when I don’t completely understand something that was discussed in class.” “Using MERLOT I found the interactive cadaver and the virtual embryo. The many simulations would be useful in studying. MERLOT will be a helpful and enjoyable studying tool.”

Students comments “I was able to find many hits for Spanish.” “I am having a hard time with college algebra…having the most difficult time with solving an exponential equation. MERLOT gives step by step methods of how to do the problem.” “This web site will be very helpful in my Math class as well as Speech and Health.” “I was able to find something on everything I looked for.”

Students comments “I used MERLOT to search for material on Microbiology and the functions of the human body. The animation really brought the material to life. At the end of the topic discussion, there was a self quiz which included some questions we had discussed in the classroom. MERLOT made it much easier to look up information. I am sure I will benefit from using MERLOT.”

Students’ favorite finds Neurological eye simulator Virtual cardiology lab Digestive system with animation and games Obesity simulation – interactive patient counseling Virtual chemistry lab Science & Nature: Human Mind and Body –Used 3-D jigsaw puzzle – allowed rotation of organs and insertion at proper angle into the body

MERLOT in the CSIC Connecting the use of MERLOT with the CSIC Recommendation to Provost & Vice President of Academic Services MERLOT presentation for CSIC staff MERLOT adopted as research tool and for online tutoring in the CSIC –Available anywhere –Available 24 hours a day

Student outcomes MERLOT – an important factor in student success “Having a web site that is primarily educational is very beneficial to studying for any course.” “MERLOT provides a very good hands-on learning environment, and that is the way I learn best.” “Merlot will be helpful during those times when I don’t completely understand something that was discussed in a class.”