Two WVU Parkersburg Professors                 
Published in Science Journal

News Release

CONTACT:  Joyce Kronberg, WVU Parkersburg Professor of Biology, (304) 424-8226; Marshall Griffin, WVU Parkersburg Professor of Biology and Chemistry, (304) 424-8285.

Two West Virginia University at Parkersburg professors have an article being published in the national periodical, "Journal of College Science Teaching."

The article, "Using Analysis Questions to Develop Critical Thinking in College Science Courses," was written by Joyce Kronberg, professor of biology, and Marshall Griffin, professor of biology and chemistry. It is the result of their experiences in teaching over 15 years in the biological area while using the technique to introduce additional clinical applications into the courses.

Professor Kronberg uses analysis questions to acquaint student with a clinical perspective in her Human Anatomy and Physiology classes.

"This type of question requires writing skills and can be used to help bring more writing across the curriculum," she noted. "In addition, it requires that thinking skills be developed."

She teaches courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Surgical Technology Anatomy, Nutrition and Mathematics. Interested in innovative teaching methods, she presents workshops on creating teaching methods at state and national science conferences.

Professor Griffin uses the analysis questions to introduce a more clinical tone into his microbiology classes.

"I have been using this type of thinking exercise for many years after I attended a workshop on the construction of critical thinking questions," he said. "This method requires that the student really understand the material and be able to apply the information in new and different situations."

The "Journal of College Science Teaching" publishes research and practices of innovative and new methods to be used in the science areas of higher education.

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