Fish & Wildlife Bio/Sci 2700:ICHTHYOLOGYA Problem Based Learning Environment

Exemplar cases• Ill-structured authentic cases

– What is causing the extirpation of sturgeon?– Multiple variables:

• Overharvesting• Dam construction – habitat destruction• Pollutants• Invasive Species

• Scaffolding in the form of partially constructed causal maps and other feedback on quizzes provides support to novice learners

Complexity• Tasks gradually introduce complexity

– Lake Sturgeon introduces overharvesting– Pallid Sturgeon uses overharvesting, dam

construction, environmental pollution– Shovelnose increases complexity by adding

issues related to invasive species and hybridization

– Independent research on Paddlefish requires transfer as well as some unique problem-solving

• Transfer of complexity from one case to the next

Independent & group decision-making True/False self-check quiz follows each

case to check individual comprehension Causal maps require students to reflect

on the relation of threat to fish attributes such as life history, behavior, and morphology

Argumentation is applied to cases to predict outcomes and justify reasons among peers

Support Provided True/False self-check quiz provides

feedback Causal maps use a drag and drop function

as well as comments to the student Argumentation requires peer interaction Concept map requires students to construct

their own understanding of factors related to the extirpation of the species

Expert opinions provide guidance

COGNITIVE APPRENTICESHIP Real-world problem solving cases

Lake and Pallid Sturgeon are on the brink of extinction in 19 out of 20 states

Shovelnose face similar threats although some factors vary such as age of sexual maturity

Paddlefish is another local fish facing extirpation

Extirpation & Extinction of fish and aquatic wildlife are world-wide concerns

COGNITIVE APPRENTICESHIP Team formation – students may work in

groups of 3-4 students, or independently

Students may work cooperatively or collaboratively

Argumentation requires students to analyze, reflect, articulate, and refine understandings

Prediction requires students to apply knowledge to understanding of species