An Instruction-Followed-by-Problem-Solving Approach to Facilitate Biochemistry Students’ Transfer of Learning in Noncovalent Interactions

Noncovalent interactions are a foundational concept within the structure and function core of the undergraduate biology curriculum. Learning this concept is challenging for most students due to the inherent difficulty of the material, the fact that it pertains to submicroscopic phenomena, and the limitations of traditional instructional materials. To address these challenges and support students, we developed an instructional approach grounded in cognitive load theory. This lesson includes explicit instruction with example problems followed by a problem-solving activity. Both are designed to help students conceptualize the molecular mechanisms underlying noncovalent interactions and the way noncovalent interactions influence biomolecular interactions. This lesson was implemented in biochemistry courses as part of an experimental study examining the effects of different instructional approaches. The lesson includes two phases. First, students complete an instruction phase, engaging with guided instruction, learning through worked examples, and responding to quiz questions to check comprehension. Second, students complete a problem-solving phase, independently solving problems to practice applying the concepts covered during instruction. This student-centered approach leverages explicit guidance with worked examples to enable students to approach noncovalent interactions using causal mechanistic principles. The follow-up problem-solving activity allows students to apply these principles, enhancing their problem-solving skills in biology. <em>Primary Image:</em>&nbsp;A cytoplasmic protein surrounded by water molecules with some of the amino acid side chains shown. Image modified from S. M. Halmo, C. A. Sensibaugh, P. Reinhart, O. Stogniy, L. Fiorella, and P. P. Lemons, CBE Life Sci Educ 19:ar41, 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.19-11-0260">https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.19-11-0260</a>