1. Research Problem In one sentence, describe the problem that is the focus of your classroom research project about student learning: A large proportion of non-majors biology students have poor attitudes towards active learning.

2. Research Question What is your research question? Is there a correlation between student mindsets (fixed versus growth) and their attitude towards active learning in a non-majors biology class?

3. Research Methods My primary research methods include: 1. Mindset quiz to place students 2. Attitudinal survey adapted from a paper on active learning impacts in a human physiology course for non-majors (Wilke, 2003) 3. Keep, Quit, Start cards How will I collect these data?1. Start of semester mindset quiz 2. Survey at 4 weeks (before exam 1) Likert scale – student attitudes 3. Coding of feedback from KQS cards used at 4 weeks. My strategy to analyze these data will be: 1. Correlation of mindset with attitude – frequency 2. Distribution of mindsets 3. Student preferences for instructional practices

4. Alignment of Research Question and Methods Demonstrate how your research methods and question align. Since my question hinges on whether there is a correlation between mindset and attitude towards active learning I’m achieving alignment by: 1. Using questions developed by a cognitive psychologist to determine mindset 2. Using a survey of attitudes toward active learning to obtain quantitative (correlational) and qualitative insights. 3. Coding student responses related to instructional preferences as a further measure of correlation.