Project Lead: Narges Hadjesfandiar (Assistant Professor of Teaching, Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Project Description
This project investigates whether formalized training in data analysis within PHAR 307 laboratory improves the fairness of student assessment and enhances students’ skills. Most undergraduate students have not received formal training in Microsoft Excel. The uneven background training can lead to disparities in students’ readiness to complete a substantial portion of lab results and assignments in PHAR307. To address this, in the first trial in 2024W2, students received the same data analysis tool along with step-by-step instructions for each analysis. During the second trial in 2025W2, this project will collect feedback from students and evidence to determine whether the training should be continued, refined, or expanded.
Research Questions
- Does the inclusion of data analysis training as part of the course material improve equity in PHAR307 labs?
- Does the inclusion of data analysis training as part of the course material enhance students’ confidence regarding analytical skills?