Implementing the active learning strategies that we have been practicing on research papers requires some creative adjustments.  Dr. Jamillah Zamoon suggested the following as a frame-work for discussing research paper while maintaining the spirit of active learning.

1. The discussion leader (the person who chose the paper) describes the paper briefly and focuses on:
   1.  General background.
   2. Hypotheses.
   3. Objectives.
   4. Significance.
2. To achieve the goals of active learning, the focus will be on the figures of the paper.
3. Participants form groups of 4-5.
4. Each group will be assigned or will choose a figure (or more).
5. The group’s job is to discuss, analyze, and understand the assigned figure.  The group can focus on:
   1. The experimental design and methods that led to the results summarized in the figure.
   2. The data and analyses used to generate the results in the figure.
   3. What conclusions the figure support.
   4. Are their any weaknesses in the analysis/figure.
   5. Is their an alternative way to perform the analysis and present the results.
6. Each group can use the board to write:
   1. one side: Aspects understood and general notes.
   2. other side: Aspects unclear and questions.
7. The discussion leader takes charge and:
   1. Allows each group to their figure and related information in the paper.
   2. Summarizes and connects the figures together to understand the paper as a whole.
   3. States the conclusions.
   4. Answers questions and clarify any misunderstandings.