Papers by charlotte taylor
We have developed the virtual world of Omosa in which school students can learn what scientists d... more We have developed the virtual world of Omosa in which school students can learn what scientists do by doing it themselves. In Omosa students are able to observe, collect data and interact with a number of intelligent virtual human and animal agents.
Threshold Concepts and Transformational Learning, 2010
... 2010 134 THRESHOLD CONCEPTS: CHALLENGING THE WAY WE THINK, TEACH AND LEARN IN BIOLOGY AND SCI... more ... 2010 134 THRESHOLD CONCEPTS: CHALLENGING THE WAY WE THINK, TEACH AND LEARN IN BIOLOGY AND SCIENCE Pauline M. Rossa ... Using the methodology of Davies and Mangan (2007) we interviewed novice students (58) and expert academic staff (11) from ...
Our investigations of conceptual understanding of biology have led to the formulation of a matrix... more Our investigations of conceptual understanding of biology have led to the formulation of a matrix of threshold concepts for the discipline (Ross et al., 2010), of which the creation and testing of a hypothesis is a key component. Previous studies of this threshold concept (Taylor, 2009; Taylor and Meyer, 2010) confirm that it is fundamental to thinking and reasoning across the sciences, and that the complexity of the concept requires detailed elucidation if we are to design teaching experiences which track students in this extended liminal space (Lawson, 2000; Oh, 2010; Pederson, 2011). We employed two approaches to identifying the dimensions of thinking about hypotheses and their testing: 1) a generic question ‘what is a hypothesis’, and 2) a scenario question requiring students to write a relevant hypothesis for a field investigation. Both questions were given to 900 incoming undergraduate science students in an introductory biology course. Responses to the first question yielded seventy two item stems, which covered a broad range of conceptions of a hypothesis, and could be further categorized into thirteen groupings. The responses to the scenario question were analysed phenomenographically and provided seven categories of understanding which were broadly hierarchical. Despite this concept being a fundamental area for study throughout the high school science syllabus, a significant proportion of the cohort demonstrated unsophisticated conceptions of the structure of the hypothesis. There were distinct commonalities in the dimensions of problem areas, namely the conception and delineation of variables, relationships between variables, the construction of a testable statement, and the language used to describe the hypothesis. Further refinement of our approaches has led to the development of a diagnostic psychometric instrument about hypotheses, and the creation of a range of scenario questions, currently in use in high school investigations and in longitudinal surveys of students in biology-related degree programs.
International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, Oct 31, 2014
The challenges facing educators of introductory science subjects include instilling in students a... more The challenges facing educators of introductory science subjects include instilling in students a sense of discovery and inquiry instead of just transmitting content knowledge, and integrating assessments that are authentic and worthwhile. In addition, implementation of technology into the curriculum must both engage students and support effective teaching in the context of ever-increasing class sizes. The abstract, and sometimes counterintuitive, nature of biology, for example at a cellular scale, necessitates innovative pedagogical strategies that integrate varied avenues for inquiry-based experimentation and research-led teaching. In this paper, we present a revised curriculum for introductory biology that provides a scaffolded environment where students are encouraged to explore and develop their scientific reasoning skills in authentic theory and practical sessions. We describe and evaluate the design of this scaffolded curriculum, with reference to the integration of theory and practice, a productive failure-based structure of engaging with experimental design, and authentic researchcontextualised assessment grounded in critical analyses and application of the primary literature. We also describe the use of technology-enhanced teaching strategies that promote collaborative and active learning, timely feedback for formative and summative assessments, and the integration of online and multimedia resources that support student-centred pedagogy. Our integrative curriculum emphasises developing independence and critical thinking so that students are better equipped for future study in an ever-changing world.
Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Sep 23, 2013
Interactive Learning Environments, 2015
Studies In Writing, 2005
Page 1. THE EFFECT OF STUDENT PRIOR EXPERIENCE, AT-TITUDES, AND APPROACHES ON PERFORMANCE IN AN U... more Page 1. THE EFFECT OF STUDENT PRIOR EXPERIENCE, AT-TITUDES, AND APPROACHES ON PERFORMANCE IN AN UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE WRITING PROGRAM CHARLOTTE E. TAYLOR & HELEN DRURY University of Sydney, Australia Abstract. ...
The Vision and Innovation in Biology Education discipline network (VIBEnet) is funded by the Offi... more The Vision and Innovation in Biology Education discipline network (VIBEnet) is funded by the Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) to support a network of tertiary biology teachers and lead curriculum change. In a survey completed by 57 academics from 25 universities across Australia and three international universities, network participants shared their experiences of teaching biology and designing curriculum. An analysis of these responses provides a framework for developing a unified and innovative curriculum, which engages students, fosters inquiry and allows sharing of expertise and curiosity. Network participants emphasised that the biology context provides the perfect environment for students to develop academic and practical skills, through critical evaluation of contemporary problems, independent research investigations and rigorous evaluation and communication of results. Academics also commented on the need for a national approach to implement the “Threshold Learning Outcomes in Science (TLOs)” which have been modified by the network to create the “Biology Threshold Learning Outcomes (BTLOs)”. Such standard statements are a catalyst for curriculum change and an opportunity to reflect on strengths and weaknesses in current teaching and learning practice. The flow on impact of the need to validate assessment methods to demonstrate graduate outcomes in a manner appropriate for student learning and employer needs was also acknowledged. Currently there remain significant challenges in effecting change in the tertiary teaching of biology, including the perennial issues funding, workloads and class sizes. However the status and quality of education and teachers at our tertiary institutions is acknowledged as the key solution for sustained improvement.
Comments Students starting out at university must rapidly adjust to a new independent learning en... more Comments Students starting out at university must rapidly adjust to a new independent learning environment in which they are expected to be largely self-directed and self-reliant. In addition to often being in classes that are much larger than they've previously experienced, students have less direct contact with their teachers. To access help or advice, they might have to negotiate multiple student-support mechanisms rather than ask a single contact. Today's students also come from diverse backgrounds and have greater variations in preparedness and motivations for study than ever before. For some, the ability to be a self-directed and independent student can make the difference between success and failure while juggling university studies and part-time employment. 1 All of these issues can be intensified in generalist degrees, where students have a wide variety of course choices and must shift from one subject to another, all while physically navigating their sometimes sprawling campuses throughout the day. At the University of Sydney, our academic year begins with an orientation program for new students that introduces them to the university, the campus, and each other. This socialization (or transition) of students into the university setting 2 also gives us the opportunity to help students understand university terminology and responsibilities and organize their studies. In the March 2013 of the Teaching@Sydney staff bulletin, a postgraduate student in physics reflected on his memories of the first few weeks of university, including the importance of building this socialization into class: "One of the best methods a lecturer can employ to help a student ... is to encourage social interaction between their students. This point may be overlooked, as it seems that many academics believe the most productive thing for students to do in lectures is listen. Solitary study can lead to high dropout rates of first-year students since it does not provide them with Key Takeaways Using data from an electronic unit of study outline system, the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science built an assessment calendar to organize assessment schedules and help first-year students transition to university life. The calendar helps students organize and understand their assessments using their preferred computers or mobile calendar applications. The calendar also helps staff in a large faculty compare and rationalize assessment dates and ensure that a variety of assessment modes are used, irrespective of a student's course choices. Research and Publications Conferences and Events Career Development Focus Areas and Initiatives Connect and Contribute About EDUCAUSE Education 5. Geeks and Non-Geeks: From Contraxioms to Collaboration in Higher Education Stay Up-to-date Share a Case Study Contribute to upcoming issues of EDUCAUSE Review Online by submitting case studies that illustrate the role of Governance, Risk, and Compliance as you navigate the complex challenges of resource allocation, data management, cybersecurity, privacy, and other IT challenges.
Online information literacy modules have been integrated into semester 1 units of study so that e... more Online information literacy modules have been integrated into semester 1 units of study so that every commencing first year science student is now engaged in developing information skills as part of their disciplinary learning (Kift, 2004). A certificate of completion system has enabled these activities to be easily introduced by staff from a range of disciplines. This methodology has enabled skill development to be introduced with no duplication or overlap in the workload for students despite the range of course choices available and without core units.
The University of Sydney requires all graduates to possess information skills as part of their gr... more The University of Sydney requires all graduates to possess information skills as part of their graduate attributes (http://www.itl.usyd.edu.au/graduateAttributes/policy.htm). This can only be achieved through a close working relationship between the faculties and the library; it"s always someone else"s business as well as our own. Within first year science, information skills development is challenged by: lack of compulsory units of study absence of a foundation unit separate curricula for each school within the faculty immediate commencement of subject-based learning assumed knowledge of some skills inadequate time spent on skills development The Library provides integrated information skills sessions in some first year science units, but the 3000 plus student cohort may receive this content multiple times or not at all, depending on which units they choose. Methods A creative solution was required to systematically engage with the cohort in the priority areas of academic honesty and evaluation of scholarly or non-scholarly research. Library staff partnered with concerned academic staff to implement a coordinated information skills program across first year science. Pre-existing iResearch learning objects (http://sydney.edu.au/library/elearning/index.html) were incorporated into a range of units with large enrolments, and were also trialled in conjunction with the University"s new ePortfolio system. Outcomes Four schools in the Faculty of Science made the Plagiarism and Academic Honesty and Scholarly versus Non-Scholarly learning objects compulsory components of their first year assessment program. Because of large numbers of enrolments and overlap between first year science units, virtually every student completed the required online information skills content. We added certificates of completion to the learning objects as evidence of graduate attribute development. Conclusions Partnerships with unit of study coordinators were essential to complete the project. The use of online learning technology was particularly effective for a large cohort, facilitating the development of information skills outside of the traditional face-to-face classroom context. The end result was a sustainable, low-cost information skills model for first year science. This model could be applied to other faculties and universities, effectively streamlining and sharing the development of information skills.
Emu, 2014
Abstract The number of hollow-bearing trees, and associated hollows, in urban habitats continues ... more Abstract The number of hollow-bearing trees, and associated hollows, in urban habitats continues to decline as cities expand. Remaining hollows may be unsuitable for species of parrot that have specific preferences or requirements for certain characteristics of tree-hollows. To determine the distribution of hollow-bearing trees and tree-hollows in Sydney, Australia, we surveyed 264 sites within parks, streets, golf courses, patches of remnant vegetation and continuous forest. To determine whether species of parrot were associated with specific hollow characteristics, motion-activated video-cameras were installed to monitor use of hollows in remnant vegetation and continuous forest. The number of both hollows and hollow-bearing trees varied significantly among habitats, with all urban habitats having significantly fewer hollow-bearing trees than did continuous forest. There was no significant difference in the number of hollows within remnant vegetation and continuous forest. Hollow visitation by Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus), Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) and Australian King-Parrots (Alisterus scapularis) was significantly associated with particular hollow characteristics, most importantly type of hollow, orientation of hollow and species of tree. Knowledge of the distribution of hollow-bearing trees throughout landscapes, as well as the characteristics of hollows that are associated with particular species of parrot, is crucial to conserve populations of hollow-dependent bird species in urban areas.
Urban Ecosystems, 2014
Sydney has been described as a 'City of Suburbs'. 1 Indeed, the process of suburbanisation is arg... more Sydney has been described as a 'City of Suburbs'. 1 Indeed, the process of suburbanisation is arguably one of the most important developments in Australia's post-invasion history. Kilometre after kilometre of suburb has for decades dominated the cultural landscape of Sydney and other Australian capital cities, while suburbia has formed the heartland of the bourgeois ideology that has been dominant for more than two generations. Metropolitan Sydney's phenomenal suburban expansion during much of the twentieth century has been explored by a small number of urban historians. 2 But the impact and importance of suburbanisation in and around Sydney-by far the largest annual metropolitan investment item-has still to attract the attention it deserves. Some historians of suburban Sydney have embarked on a search for distinctive cultural virtues in the 'half world between city and country'. They found the following: privacy, self-sufficiency, respectability, uniformity. In her study of Concord, Grace Karskens observed that the suburb was self-conscious and, it appears, secure. Its inhabitants enjoyed its sense of place in a way that no outsider could fully appreciate. In shaping their environment so successfully suburban people created one of the earliest recognisable cultural landscapes… The brick bungalow suburbs of Sydney… are a potent symbol of the culture of ordinary people. They must be allowed to speak for themselves. 3 At one level this is true. But suburb creation, suburban ideology and suburban existence are more complex. The suburbs were by no means homogeneous. Internally, some, like Concord, combined different social levels that existed somewhere between capital and labour, the middle and uppermiddle classes. But members of the bourgeoisie and the working classes were also moving to suburbs-such as Strathfield and Lane Cove, and Blacktown and Liverpool, respectively-in various waves during the twentieth century. Attributing the rise of suburbia to suburbanites ignores the historical contexts and processes which bore on suburban developments and the powerful ideologies that inspired and informed them. These, as Graeme Davison has written, included evangelicalism, which extolled a return to homely virtues; romanticism, which endowed the suburbs with rusticity; sanitarianism, which supposedly purified the environment, underwriting health and happiness; and capitalism. Capitalism generated class tensions and hatreds as well as grim filth and squalor. Suburbs allowed the recipients of the benefits of capitalism to insulate themselves from sites of industry and commerce and to quarantine themselves from 'inferior' classes. Thus the suburbs collectively embodied 'respectable' bourgeois values and standards. But as Davison notes, since the suburb was 'based on the logic of avoidance', its virtues were 'essentially negative': they were exclusive, elitist, restrictive and stuffy. 4
Urban Ecosystems, 2012
ABSTRACT
PLoS ONE, 2013
Urbanisation typically results in a reduction of hollow-bearing trees and an increase in the dens... more Urbanisation typically results in a reduction of hollow-bearing trees and an increase in the density of particularly species, potentially resulting in an increased level of competition as cavity-nesting species compete for a limited resource. To improve understanding of hollow usage between urban cavity-nesting species in Australia, particularly parrots, we investigated how the hollow-using assemblage, visitation rate, diversity and number of interactions varied between hollows within urban remnant forest and continuous forest. Motion-activated video cameras were installed, via roped access to the canopy, and hollow usage was monitored at 61 hollows over a two-year period. Tree hollows within urban remnants had a significantly different assemblage of visitors to those in continuous forest as well as a higher rate of visitation than hollows within continuous forest, with the rainbow lorikeet making significantly more visitations than any other taxa. Hollows within urban remnants were characterised by significantly higher usage rates and significantly more aggressive interactions than hollows within continuous forest, with parrots responsible for almost all interactions. Within urban remnants, high rates of hollow visitation and both interspecific and intraspecific interactions observed at tree hollows suggest the number of available optimal hollows may be limiting. Understanding the usage of urban remnant hollows by wildlife, as well as the role of parrots as a potential flagship for the conservation of tree-hollows, is vital to prevent a decrease in the diversity of urban fauna, particularly as other less competitive species risk being outcompeted by abundant native species.
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2012
Certain native species are able to tolerate the urban landscape to the point where they are somet... more Certain native species are able to tolerate the urban landscape to the point where they are sometimes found in higher abundance in cities than they are in the surrounding natural vegetation. To improve understanding of the resource requirements of Australian parrots, we investigated the seasonal abundance and habitat use of 13 species in different landscape units in the major urban centre of Sydney, Australia. The urban landscape was divided into four urban zones and 528 surveys were conducted over a period of two years throughout four habitats of remnant vegetation, golf courses, street scapes and recreational parks, as well as the surrounding natural landscape, during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. Significant seasonal differences in abundance existed for two granivorous and one nectarivorous species. Abundance was significantly higher in the outer urban zone than in the non-urban zone and species assemblage differed significantly between all urban zones and the non-urban zone during the breeding season but only between the city and non-urban zone during the non-breeding season. Remnant vegetation was also characterised by a significantly different community assemblage to other habitats during the breeding season. Understanding how fauna utilise the urban landscape, particularly high profile fauna such as parrots, has the potential to assist in both management and conservation of urban diversity.
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2011
Populations of several species of native parrots have been increasing in many Australian cities s... more Populations of several species of native parrots have been increasing in many Australian cities since the 1980s contributing to a shift in the composition of urban avian communities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some species of parrot may move into the urban landscape during environmental disturbances, such as wild fires or periods of decreased rainfall. This study seeks to determine the extent to which fire and rainfall explain changes in the abundance of parrots in urban Sydney. Multiple regression using the Akaike Information Criterion was used to analyse a 26-year data set, beginning in 1981, to measure the change in abundance of 13 species of parrot in response to wild fire and rainfall. Wild fire, within a radial distance of 100 km, significantly predicted changes in abundance of five species of parrot in urban Sydney. Local and/or inland rainfall significantly predicted changes in abundance of six parrot species in the urban landscape, with decreases in inland rainfall resulting in an increase in abundance in the urban landscape of parrots that traditionally inhabited inland areas.
Journal of Ornithology, 2011
In Australia, the introduced Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is commonly believed to aggressiv... more In Australia, the introduced Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is commonly believed to aggressively displace native birds and outcompete them for food and nest resources. However, the current paucity of scientific evidence makes it difficult to devise appropriate management strategies for protection of urban bird populations. This study investigates the way in which the Common Myna uses the urban environment and interacts with other species while foraging and nesting in Sydney, Australia. The bird community varied between habitat types along an urbanisation gradient, and the abundance of the Common Myna increased significantly with the degree of habitat modification. Surveys of the frequency of interspecific interactions revealed that the Common Myna did not initiate a significantly greater number of aggressive encounters than did other species. Focal observations of two potential native competitors showed that despite foraging in close proximity, the Common Myna rarely interfered with feeding activity. Assessment of natural tree hollow occupancy found that Common Mynas used significantly fewer tree hollows than did native species. Analysis of nest site selection indicated that Common Mynas chose to nest in more highly modified habitats, and in artificial structures rather than in vegetation. These findings suggest that, in this study area, Common Mynas have little competitive impact on resource use by native bird species in the urban matrix. The logical conclusion of these results is that the substantial efforts currently directed towards culling of Common Mynas in heavily urbanised environments is misdirected, and resources would be better directed to improvement of natural habitat quality in these areas if the purpose of control is to enhance urban bird diversity.
Instructional Science, 2005
Learning through writing is a way of learning not only the appropriate written expression of disc... more Learning through writing is a way of learning not only the appropriate written expression of disciplinary knowledge, but also the knowledge itself through reflection and revision. This study investigates the quality of a writing experience provided to university students in a first-year biology subject. The writing instruction methodology used is Genre-based literacy pedagogy, designed to help both with learning disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate written presentation. Evaluative research methodologies from Student Learning Research are used and include the use of three closed-ended questionnaires and an open-ended questionnaire. The results of the research suggest ways of improving the writing instruction by better understanding the previous writing experiences of the students, improving the instructional materials, clarifying goals of the writing tasks at key stages in the writing process, and helping students to improve their approach to the writing experience.
Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 2005
It is increasingly important in the twenty-first century for graduates to be able to take their p... more It is increasingly important in the twenty-first century for graduates to be able to take their place in the changing world scene and to be adaptable and creative within the organisation that employs them. This paper describes some of the initiatives introduced into the curriculum of a first-year science course, taken by 1300 students at the University of Sydney, that are designed to help students develop the attributes required of a professional scientist. Comprehensive online resources have been developed to facilitate independent study, and synchronous and asynchronous communications, and these are delivered via a virtual learning environment. We have enhanced students' oral and written communication skills by using real work experiences, and developed teamwork activities within the context of the curriculum.
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Papers by charlotte taylor