One of the failings of recent proposals regarding improving educational outcomes and removing obstacles is the persistence of course design that focuses on memorization rather than conceptual understanding.
Most departments are not held accountable for the outcomes of there programs. Recent "efforts" at CU Boulder, other put forward as a leader in such efforts are largely window dressing, few incentives to improve and no sanctions for failure.
I addressed this point awhile ago in this blog post ( https://bioliteracy.blog/2017/12/08/making-education-matter-in-higher-education/ ), but few of the difficult issues have been addressed (although their have been programs (distractions) institutes in the place of thoughtful accountability. Seem like time to get serious.
More anon.
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Mike Klymkowsky
Professor - Molecular Biology & CU Teach
University of Colorado Boudler
Boulder CO
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