Using Wikipedia Assignments to Teach Critical Thinking and Scientific Writing in STEM Courses

While many instructors have reservations against Wikipedia use in academic settings, editing teaches students valuable writing, editing, and critical thinking skills. assignments align with the community of inquiry framework, which focuses on elements needed for a successful online learning experience. We report faculty mentoring network, created by WikiProject Limnology Oceanography, helped 14 little to no prior experience implement assignment their classes. found that increase students’ motivation produce high quality work enhance awareness reliable scientific sources. can be comparable other writing length complexity, but far wider audience than traditional research paper. Participants our network reported challenges implementing this new type assignment, here, we share resources solutions those barriers.