Teaching Biology
PlantPath 800 and MicroSci 875

Course Description

In this graduate-level course, students build a foundation of knowledge about teaching biology at the college level. The course is both scholarly and practical in nature: students construct an understanding of fundamental principles and sound pedagogy that they apply to their own teaching. Through a variety of assignments that are designed to model the constructivist spirit of the course, students confront existing notions about how they were taught and how it has shaped their own teaching expectations, philosophy, and practice. For example, students first write their philosophy of teaching, then present a mini-lecture that is based on their own scientific research but geared toward an introductory biology audience. Classmates serve as an audience and provide constructive feedback. Near the end of the course, students present a revised lecture based on feedback and self-reflection. The course culminates in a group discussion about everyone’s revised teaching philosophy. Other assignments delve into topics such as inquiry-based teaching in lecture and labs, diversity in the classroom, and the role of web-based learning in science education. During subsequent semesters, HHMI Teaching Fellows choose to teach in a biology classroom or mentor an undergraduate researcher.

The objective of the course is for students to learn in three areas:

1. Theories of learning and the diverse cognitive styles of students.

2. Practical teaching strategies including effective lecturing, cooperative learning in the classroom, inquiry-based labs, student assessment, and managing classroom dynamics.

3. Exploration and discovery of the teacher within, which includes writing a personal teaching philosophy and practice teaching in small groups.

 

Download the course syllabus.

 

Course Format:

The pedagogy used to teach this course is the pedagogy we teach about – a combination of active learning, practical experience, and personal reflection. Typically we will begin each class session with a short lecture followed by student activities or discussion, and then conclude with a summary or whole class discussion. The class is highly interactive and everyone is expected to participate and contribute.

 

Grading:

40% Attendance & participation

30% Assignments & readings

30% Practice lectures