Work

The graph construction competency model for biology (GCCM-Bio): A framework for instruction and assessment of graph construction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Biologists represent data in visual forms, such as graphs, to aid data analysis and communication. However, students struggle to construct effective graphs. Although some studies explore these difficulties, we lack a comprehensive framework of the knowledge and skills needed to construct graphs in biology. In the present article, we describe the development of the Graph Construction Competency Model for Biology (GCCM-Bio), a framework of the components and activities associated with graph construction. We identified four broad knowledge areas for graph construction in biology: data selection, data exploration, graph assembly, and graph reflection. Under each area, we identified activities undertaken when constructing graphs of biological data and refined the GCCM-Bio through focus groups with experts in biology and statistics education. We also ran a scoping literature review to verify that these activities were represented in the graphing literature. The GCCM-Bio could support instructors, curriculum developers, and researchers when designing instruction and assessment of biology graph construction.

Source: BioScience

DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaf060