#706: Learning Lessons and Their Impact on Student Success in First-Year Biology Classes

The first-year introductory biology sequence provides a crucial foundation for students' careers. Some groups, such as first-generation college students (FGCS), lag behind their non-first-generation peers in these introductory courses. One explanation is that FGCS are not given the tools or background to succeed in college-level coursework. In addition, students regardless of first-generation status tend to underutilize evidence-based study strategies. Here, we presented students with a series of asynchronously delivered online lessons for the purpose of teaching students to use evidence-based strategies in their introductory biology classes. Our initial results suggested that learning lessons helped students learn necessary study skills to succeed in their biology courses. Overall, our research aims to support FGCS and other underrepresented students, potentially helping to level the educational playing field in introductory biology.