About This Course

This course is designed to enhance the pedagogical skills of anyone involved in educating others at the undergraduate biology level. You'll explore various effective teaching methods tailored specifically for biology, which include refining traditional lecturing techniques, utilizing active learning, formulating clear learning objectives, and extending education beyond the classroom. Reflection and interaction are key components, as the course offers a platform for educators to reflect on their practices and interact with peers facing similar instructional challenges.

What Students Will Learn

• Effective utilization of the lecture format to maximize student engagement and learning.
• Creation and practical use of defined learning outcomes to guide course design and assessment.
• Integration of a variety of active learning strategies during class to enhance student interaction and comprehension.
• Techniques to extend learning opportunities outside of the classroom environment.
• Methods to accurately measure and evaluate student learning and the effectiveness of teaching strategies.

Course Prerequisites

There are no strict prerequisites for this course. However, it is highly recommended that participants have successfully completed an introductory college-level biology course to ensure familiarity with the subject matter.

Course Content

• Analysis of the lecture method and its effectiveness in science education.
• Development of learning objectives that align with educational goals and aid in assessment.
• Exploration and application of active learning techniques tailored for biology education.
• Strategies for promoting learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
• Assessment techniques to evaluate student learning and the impact of educational strategies.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for current and prospective instructors of undergraduate biology, including university lecturers, teaching assistants, and high school teachers, particularly those teaching AP Biology. It is also suitable for post-doctoral fellows and graduate students who anticipate teaching roles in their future careers, and serves as a valuable professional development resource.

Real-World Application

Learners can apply the skills from this course to improve their biology teaching methods, leading to enhanced student understanding and retention of course material. Effective teaching not only benefits learners but also boosts educators' confidence and skillsets, making them more competent and versatile teachers. These improvements in teaching practices can significantly affect students' academic success and persistence in the sciences, thereby contributing positively to the field of education.