Peer Learning in Biology

Catalog description

Group and learning skills to facilitate the understanding of complex biological processes. BIOL 3 Peer Learning 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 would like to improve their ability to organize their learning strategies in order to maximize their understanding of the complexities of life's process.The course will be organized using peer learning groups which are posited on the assertion that every student can improve their performance with the proper environment and direction. Group leaders (enrolled in BIOL 251 ) will play an integral role in the program 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 regular meetings, the students enrolled in BIOL 003 will learn about time management and study skills, test taking strategies, exam writing, working with others that have divergent learning styles, and how to be multiculturally competent such that they are able to work with a diverse population.