Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/developing-university-lab-education
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the effectiveness of laboratory classes is paramount. For educators looking to refine their teaching methods and engage students more effectively, Coursera offers a remarkable course titled ‘Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice)’. This course is designed specifically for university educators who wish to enhance their teaching skills in science laboratory settings.
### Course Overview
The course aims to support teachers in improving their teaching skills for active learning in university science laboratory courses. It covers various aspects of laboratory teaching, including how to engage students, cope with different levels of pre-knowledge, and probe their understanding effectively.
### Syllabus Breakdown
The course is structured into six comprehensive modules:
1. **Welcome and Introduction**: This module introduces different types of laboratory sessions and strategies to enhance student engagement. It sets the stage for personal goal setting throughout the course.
2. **The Good Laboratory Teacher – Tips and Strategies**: Here, you will learn about the essential qualities that make a good laboratory teacher, providing a foundation for effective teaching.
3. **Learning Theories in Practice**: This module delves into various learning theories that can be applied to ensure effective teaching of laboratory work, helping educators understand the theoretical underpinnings of their practice.
4. **Giving Instructions and Questioning Skills**: Effective instruction is crucial in a lab setting. This module presents strategies for giving clear instructions and using questioning techniques to support learning while avoiding information overload.
5. **Assessment and Feedback**: Assessment is a key component of education. This module introduces a rubric for assessing student learning goals and discusses the concept of constructive alignment between learning outcomes, teaching activities, and assessment methods.
6. **Reflection**: The final module encourages participants to reflect on their learning and develop a plan for improving their own laboratory courses.
Additionally, there is an optional week for those who need extra time to complete assignments and earn their course certificate.
### Why You Should Enroll
This course is a must for any educator involved in teaching science in a laboratory setting. It not only provides practical strategies and insights but also encourages self-reflection and personal growth as an educator. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the tools necessary to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for your students.
### Conclusion
If you are looking to enhance your teaching skills and improve the effectiveness of your laboratory classes, I highly recommend enrolling in ‘Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice)’ on Coursera. It’s an investment in your professional development that will pay dividends in your teaching career.
Happy teaching!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/developing-university-lab-education