Case Study: McMaster University enhances online biology lab sessions with Kritik

Conducting Labs Sessions Online with Peer Assessment

McMaster University, a large institution with classes of up to 300 students, faced the challenge of translating hands-on biology lab sessions and personalized 1-on-1 teaching to an effective online format. The transition to remote learning risked student disengagement, and traditional teaching methods focused on lower-order thinking skills, leaving a deficiency in student development and critical thinking.

The university's professor implemented Kritik to conduct weekly online lab sessions. The Kritik platform enabled a peer assessment process where students submitted work and then evaluated their peers' submissions based on customized rubrics. This solution allowed students to see how their peers approached tasks, developing their critical thinking and evaluative skills while emulating a more personalized learning experience. The result was successfully maintained student engagement in a virtual setting and a better preparation of students for further education and their careers.

McMaster University

Patricia Chow-Fraser

Professor of Biology