Many introductory biology courses are turning towards including authentic research experiences because of improvements in skill development, student confidence, and persistence in science. In our introductory-level Research in Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation course, the biology major at Smith College introduces students to an authentic research experience by collecting data from local environments for long-term monitoring projects. These projects have ever increasing datasets that students are able to use to answer a question of their own interest. One of the more challenging parts of the course is teaching students how to visualize and analyze the data to address their chosen question. Given the popularity of using the R-programming language in ecology, I have recently begun to use R in this introductory course and have developed my own interactive tutorials using the swirlify and swirl packages. I used a pre- and post-test at the start and end of the course to test for increases in quantitative skills (1) before using R in the course, (2) after using R but with swirl lessons made by others, and (3) after using R with my own swirl lessons.
Results/Conclusions
Students made some gains in quantitative skills whether or not R was used in the course. It is too early to tell the outcome of using R with my own interactive swirl lessons, but it is expected that more practice spread throughout the semester that is tailored to the skills I am most interested in building will help students make additional gains. Students find coding in R very challenging, but with practice spread throughout the semester, they do seem to become more confident and their skills improve over the semester. Anecdotal evidence from experience suggests that providing support inside and outside of the classroom using teaching assistants has been important in improving student learning and experience. While teaching students how to visualize and analyze data using R is challenging, these skills are important to introduce students to as early as possible and the effort is worth it.