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Peer Review

American Society of Plant Biologists

Reviewed:

Mar 15, 2025 by Biology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 5.0 stars
Content Quality: 5.0 stars
Effectiveness: 5.0 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

This site promotes teaching and research in plant biology. This society has members worldwide. It is an essential resource for Plant Biologists throughout the world. The organization was once called the American Society of Plant Physiologists and is now called the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPM).

Type of Material:

Reference Material

Recommended Uses:

Mostly for teachers to find resources which can be used in a variety of ways, from teaching resources, to professional development.

Technical Requirements:

None.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

None given but clearly the society and its site are devoted to promoting teaching and research involving plants.

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, Graduate School, Professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic biology and plant biology background are useful.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The content is accurate and up to date.
  • The coverage is wide ranging in plant biology.
  • The site covers research and science content as well as content related to education in plant biology.
  • Plenty of material is provided for all aspects of plant biology.
  • The topics are well-organized and presented as expected.
  • The site includes, among other resources, some very interesting, peer-reviewed papers.
Concerns:

None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The site provides a variety of content (educational and scientific) and serves as a knowledge hub.
  • It is exceptionally useful and perhaps the best place available for anyone wanting to pursue plant biology as a career or who teaches plant biology.
  • The site provides updated information on Executive Orders and other external events that impact plant biology teaching or research.
  • The society has reaffirmed their commitment to DEI and to addressing neurodivergence in the plant biology community.
  • This is a great showcase and tool set for plant biology teaching.
  • Coursing involving plant biology could link to this website.
Concerns:

  • A lot of abbreviations are used on the site, which neophytes might find daunting.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The navigation is intuitive.
  • The links all appear to work. No bugs were found.
  • The information is well organized.
  • Navigation to the different major sections of site is easy.
  • The site is very engaging.
Concerns:

  • The site is extensive and complex, and can be difficult to get a map of in one's mind.
Other Issues and Comments:

As a Professor of Biology (for 30+ years) and author of the World's #1 Plant Biology Textbook (Introductory Plant Biology), I am delighted and honored to review this site.  I am also glad that the ASPP has re-named itself as the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB).  This is a very professionally done Website and it is one of MERLOT's favorites.  Thank you, very much for also allowing download and review of research articles.  I use this site often in my Plant Physiology and Plant Anatomy Classes.  Good job!!!

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