Pathways to Scientific Teaching
The seminar meets two hours weekly on Tuesdays, 12:00 – 2 pm ET, beginning on January 12 and continuing weekly until March 9, 2021.
What is scientific teaching?
Scientific teaching integrates the research model into learner-centered teaching approach. You will learn to develop and implement state-of-the-art learner-centered instructional materials and teaching strategies for both large and small enrollment undergraduate STEM courses. During this seminar, we will use scientific teaching to actively engage us in evidence-based instructional methods shown to be effective in helping students learn core biology disciplinary ideas by using science practices — so it is not only what students learn, but how they use that knowledge. Importantly, the pathway to scientific teaching integrates the biological research model into a teaching approach by using science practices desired for all students, such as analyzing and interpreting data, developing and using models, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing arguments, and working cooperatively.
What will you gain from the seminar?
The overall goal of the seminar is to help you launch and/or build the teaching component of your career in the life sciences.
- You will gain cutting-edge knowledge and experience about how to develop a learner-centered course vs. a traditional lecture course.
- You will develop a course framework, an instructional lesson/unit, and gain experience with implementing evidence-based pedagogy for teaching. This is intended to contribute to your preparation as a future faculty member and to prepare for interviews for positions that include teaching.
- You will become part of a learning community that will mentor and support your teaching.
Who should enroll?
Postdoctoral scholars who are interested in how to become an effective instructor. I encourage you to consider enrolling with another person from your lab group. This is not required, but just as in science, effective collaborative teams are productive and enjoyable.
How do I enroll?
Please send an email to Diane Ebert-May. Enrollment is limited.
ebertmay@msu.edu
