1. Research Problem In one sentence, describe the problem that is the focus of your classroom research project about student learning: Biology students struggle with experimental design particularly with how to develop an original research question and hypothesis.

2. Research Question What is your research question? Does a focused primary literature review increase students’ ability to develop an original research question and hypothesis?

3. Research Methods My primary research methods include: 1.) Rubrics - score student product (questions/hypotheses for proposal). 2.) Pre/post experimental design tests (RED and Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (TOSLS)). 3.) SALG Survey How will I collect these data?1.) Score student research proposal questions & hypotheses pre/post intervention, post course via rubrics. 2.) Score experimental design tests via validated rubrics pre/post intervention, post course. 3.) Online SALG survey My strategy to analyze these data will be: 1.) Average change in rubric score following intervention. 2.) Proportion of students who had correct ideas versus difficulties. 3.) Average change in student learning gains.

4. Alignment of Research Question and Methods Demonstrate how your research methods and question align. Question: Does a focused primary literature review increase students’ ability to develop an original research question and hypothesis? Methods directly test students ability to develop hypotheses in their own research proposals, in validated experimental design tests/scientific literacy test questions and the SALG survey will determine if the students feel more comfortable developing hypotheses.

5. Progress since the Institute I have completed my study for this semester. Since my class size is small (n=15) I will repeat the study again in the spring semester in order to gain a larger sample size.