Learning and Teaching Biology
About the course
During the three week block course 'Learning and Teaching Biology' (551-0916-00L), about 20 biology students acquire skills on how to convey the conceptual foundations of modern biology to future generations. The course includes several pedagogical methods such as self-reflection, conceptual thinking, peer observation, or conceptual understanding. The students are also involved in research on conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education and methods to discover student preconceptions.
CAL support
The course uses the active learning approach. Students work in teams to develop ideas, peer-grade essays, and extract important biological concepts. At the end of the course, students present and defend their new biology curriculum to professors and fellow students.
Students receive input lectures and coaching on key pedagogical strategies (peer learning, flipped-classroom, e-learning), common biological misconceptions and how to avoid them, and future educational directions.
The course also includes a book club focused on the value of narratives and story-telling for teaching and learning Biology.
