keywords
- learning sciences, learning engineering, biology education
- Contact Info
Peffer, Melanie Instructor
Positions
- Research Associate, Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS)
- Instructor, Health Professions RAP
Research Areas
Research
Publications
selected publications
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book
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conference proceeding
- Simulation Based Assessment of Epistemological Beliefs about Science 2020
- Students with sophisticated epistemological beliefs about source, but not certainty, of science knowledge revise hypotheses more frequently in authentic science inquiry 2020
- Workshop for Facilitation of Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations Between Discipline Based Education Research in Biology and the Learning Sciences 2020
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Trace Data from Student Solutions to Genetics Problems Reveals Variance in the Processes Related to Different Course Outcomes.
47-52.
2020
- A Qualitative Analysis of One University’s Ethical Fears and Practical Desires for Learning Analytics 2020
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Clustering Analysis Reveals Authentic Science Inquiry Trajectories Among Undergraduates.
96-100.
2019
- Influence of Affective Factors on Practices in Simulated Authentic Science Inquiry 2018
- Combining Multimodal Learning Analytics with Backward Design to Assess Learning 2018
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Assessment of language in authentic science inquiry reveals putative differences in epistemology
2017
- A Synergistic Approach to Studying Computer Supported Collaborative Authentic Inquiry and Genetics Understanding in K12 Students 2015
- Science Classroom Inquiry (SCI) Simulations for Generating Group-Level Learner Profiles 2015
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journal article
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The Anatomy of Persistence: Remediation and Science Identity Perceptions in Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology.
International Journal of Higher Education.
283-283.
2020
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Undergraduate Biology Education Research Gordon Research Conference: A Meeting Report.
CBE : Life Sciences Education.
2020
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I Have Learned to Hate Science.
The American Biology Teacher.
137-137.
2020
- Assessing epistemological beliefs about science using computer-based inquiry in biology. CBE : Life Sciences Education. 2020
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Assessing epistemological beliefs of experts and novices via practices in authentic science inquiry.
International Journal of STEM Education.
2019
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Mission to Planet Markle: Problem-Based Learning for Teaching Elementary Students Difficult Content and Practices.
Research in Science Education.
2019
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Practical Strategies for Collaboration across Discipline-Based Education Research and the Learning Sciences.
CBE : Life Sciences Education.
es11-es11.
2016
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Minireview: The Impact of Antenatal Therapeutic Synthetic Glucocorticoids on the Developing Fetal Brain.
Molecular Endocrinology.
658-666.
2015
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Science Classroom Inquiry (SCI) Simulations: A Novel Method to Scaffold Science Learning.
PLoS One.
e0120638-e0120638.
2015
- Dexamethasone Treatment of Hypothalamic Neural/Progenitor Stem Cells Causes Sex-Specific Changes in Gene Expression. Molecular Endocrinology. 2015
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Caveolin-1 Regulates Genomic Action of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in Neural Stem Cells.
Molecular and Cellular Biology.
2611-2623.
2014
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The Anatomy of Persistence: Remediation and Science Identity Perceptions in Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology.
International Journal of Higher Education.
283-283.
2020
Teaching
courses taught
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MCDB 1150 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Covers biologically important macromolecules and biological processes, together with an introduction to cell structure, function, and physiology. Provides the foundation for advanced MCDB courses to majors, and a rigorous overview of modern biology to non-majors. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1111. Recommended prerequisite: high school chemistry and algebra, and recommended corequisite of MCDB 1152. -
MCDB 2150 - Principles of Genetics
Primary Instructor - Spring 2021
Introduces the behavior of genes and chromosomes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Covers three areas: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Attention is given to genetic mapping, recombinant DNA procedures, and gene expression. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 or CHEN 2810 (minimum grade C-) and recommended corequisite of MCDB 2152. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 2222. -
MCDB 2152 - Problem Solving Co-Seminars for Genetics
Primary Instructor - Spring 2020
Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in MCDB 2150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Recommended corequisite: MCDB 2150.
International Activities
global connections related to teaching and scholarly work (in recent years)
- Australia Country
- Netherlands Country