FINAL PROJECT: Abstract and Reader's Reponse > How to Survive BSCI171 lab

Abstract:

Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab (BSCI 171) is an introductory lab that is taken by many undergraduate in major and out of major students. While this is a highly popular class, many students struggle with the lab due the rate at which the lab increases in difficulty and unfair point penalties. While these issues are related to the overall structure of the class, they still can be addressed at the teaching assistant level. Creating an optimal learning environment by using various student-instructor dynamic techniques and restructuring the way certain lab techniques are taught can actively address these issues in order to optimize their impact on the student experience. In this student success guide, various solutions will be suggested to address these issues without a significant impact on the structure and syllabus of the course.

Reader’s Profile:
My reader includes other teaching assistants that are new to the course. Also, the reader probably does not have too much other formal instruction.

Reader’s Response
After reading this course, I really feel like I understand many of the issues that are present in the lab and how to address them. Even though I did not know that these could be issues, but reading this guide has given me an insight into how the course is structured. Also, the techniques mentioned in this tutorial seem to be very student oriented. I do not know if these teaching styles suit how I imagine that I would carry myself in the course, but I will definitely try to incorporate some of the aspects.
May 6, 2017 | Unregistered CommenterRohan Singh
R,

Citation style?

I think this can work well, especially if you focus on helping students see these "grade-determining conditions," and then turn to strategies that will help students.

May I suggest this? You teach them the directions strategy from this class, saying that to write out the lab directions in this manner can help you be better prepared to complete lab in the time given.

One risk is to be professional about how the class is designed, and approaching this as a given. If you complain too much, in sympathy with a student, you may invite difficulties between you, the other tutors, as well as the supervising instructors.
May 7, 2017 | Registered CommenterMarybeth Shea