Peer Leadership in Biology

Catalog description

Leadership training in guiding others to learn, communicate, and apply biological principles. BIOL 251 Peer Leadership in Biology (1) The study of Biology is complicated by the myriad pathways and processes that must be mastered in a way that interrelationship become apparent. A major stumbling block in a student's progress is learning how best to organize one's study so that both the details of these processes can be learned, along with how these processes fit together (i.e. integration). The second hurdle is learning how to use this information in a way that can solve real life problems and to communicate this process to others. This course is designed for students who have already mastered basic concepts in biology and who want to learn how to communicate their understanding to others who are learning these first principles.This course is unusual in that it has divergent goals. The students enrolled in this course will be trained to be more effective communicators. In the 21st century, it is critical that we train our students to be better at relating to the general population by using effective communication skills. In addition, the course will train the students to act as effective group leaders in peer learning programs so they become competent, comfortable, and confident in working with students of diverse background, learning styles and skill levels. The philosophy behind peer learning programs is that every student can improve their performance and with the help of a group leader, this goal can be realized. The group leaders play an integral role in the program that in that they are the connection between participant and course instructors. The group leaders will learn how to pass their skills on to other students in such a way as to encourage ownership of their education. Through workshops and biweekly meetings, the group leaders will learn about time management and study skills, test taking strategies, exam writing, working with students with divergent learning styles, and how to be multiculturally competent such that they are able to work with a diverse student population. They will facilitate learning through group activities and practice their leadership skills in a small group setting. Group leaders will be monitored through review of their weekly journals as well as observation of their groups by supervising faculty. The student developed exercises will be implemented and reviewed for effectiveness.