The Challenge: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology (BIOS E-1A), co-taught by Professors Casey Roehrig and Zofia Gajdos, focuses on principles of cellular biology. The course is part of an introductory series of courses that fulfill medical school requirements for one year of introductory biology.
The course typically has high enrollment given that it’s a core requirement for medical school and is part of several Extension School degrees and certificates. A challenge of teaching this course is balancing the demanding nature of the course content with the number of students. Providing ways for students to feel motivated, bring the course content beyond the classroom, and monitor their own learning were important aspects Professor Roehrig wanted to create for her course.
The Approach
“What are you looking forward to learning?”
At the beginning of the semester, Professor Roehrig asks students to submit a question or topic they look forward to or hope to learn more about. Many of these questions end up being directly to students’ lives. She then highlights those topics when they come up during the semester. This small practice helps students discover applications of the course to the real world and keeps them motivated to learn.
Concept Check Questions
Professor Roehrig also uses multiple-choice concept check questions during class to make sure students are understanding the material and to give them an opportunity to monitor their own learning. These questions may ask students to apply what they just learned or address common misconceptions or points of confusion, and students “vote” on the answers by holding up colored index cards corresponding to different answer options. She dedicates extra time to the relevant topics if the concept checks uncover misconceptions or struggles. Spending 1-5 minutes in your class for concept check questions is an efficient way to gauge students’ understanding and address any points of confusion or struggle before moving forward in your class.
Tech and Logistics:
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Start from Day One! It’s important to establish the environment, activities, and structure of your course early. Changing the way students engage with your course in the middle of the semester might make students anxious.
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Use Tools! You can easily implement these activities in class with pen and paper, but you can also do this with online students using tools on Canvas, PollEverywhere, or our discussion board tools. Sign up for an appointment to learn how.
Photo by Taofeek Obafemi-Babatunde on Unsplash