An investigation into ways of encouraging the development of higher level cognitive skills in undergraduate biology students with reference to the Perry Scheme of Intellectual Development

This project initially focused on a group poster presentation exercise which had the development of higher cognitive skills as its aims. A holistic approach was undertaken to the exercise which involved considering the relationship between all aspects of the instructional method with respect to the undergraduate biology students developing skills of analysis, synthesis, relating and applying knowledge, in addition, to their developing communication and group skills. The project involved modifying, monitoring and evaluating a number of different aspects of the exercise over a period of four years including the assessment and instructional methods and level of staff support given to the students. The resultant…