Peer-Led Team Learning as Educational Tool for First-Year Biology Students

Abstract

This article reports the findings of the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model intervention study in an introductory biology course at a Puerto Rican private university. PLTL introduces to the traditional class format an additional workshop session in which students interact in small groups to solve challenging exercises under the guidance of a peer leader. The questions to be answered are: (1) Does PLTL advance the understanding and learning of biology concepts? (2) Does PLTL increase the number of students passing the course? The methodology consisted of a quantitative approach comparing differences between control (non-PLTL) and experimental (PLTL) groups. Data collection included: final grades, pretests/posttests, opinion questionnaires, and postsession quizzes. The analysis showed an increase in the percent of successful final grades and quizzes, and less dropouts of PLTL over non-PLTL groups. A significant gain of learning was observed between pretest and posttest of both groups (P ≤ 0.05), with no difference among groups. Students’ questionnaires resulted in a higher percentage of positive opinion for the PLTL model. In conclusion, PLTL is a positive educational model for students who struggle to succeed in their introductory science courses.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lillian Arvelo-Márquez

Lillian Arvelo-Márquez was the director of the UrSSuccess and PLTL Center, Division of Science and Technology at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina Campus.

Ana T. Méndez-Merced

Ana T. Méndez-Merced was an associate professor of biology with specialization in neurobiology, Division of Science and Technology at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina Campus.

José Monterrubio-Álvarez

José Monterrubio-Álvarez was an assistant professor of biology with specialization in neurobiology, Division of Science and Technology at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina Campus.

Karlo Malavé-Llamas

Karlo Malavé-Llamas is an associate professor of environmental science with specialization in environmental biology and microbiology, Division of Science and Technology at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina Campus.

Lilliam Lizardi-O’Neill

Lilliam Lizardi-O’Neill is a professor in physiology, Division of Science and Technology at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina Campus.

Ezequiel De J. Bayuelo-Flórez

Ezequiel De J. Bayuelo-Flórez is an associate professor in the Programs of Education and the vice-chancellor of assessment at Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina Campus in Puerto Rico.

José Soto-Sonera

José Soto-Sonera ([email protected]) is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction with specialization in science education in the Department of Graduate Studies, College of Education, at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.