Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teachingscience
As researchers, we often possess deep knowledge in our fields, but translating that expertise into effective teaching for students can be a significant challenge. Coursera’s “Teaching Science at University” course offers a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to bridging this gap. This 5-week MOOC is designed to equip educators with the skills and strategies needed to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for learners at all levels.
The course begins with a strong foundation in “Teaching and Learning Science,” emphasizing evidence-based teaching practices derived from current research. It delves into learning theories, from behaviorism to constructivism and neurodidactics, providing practical insights through interviews with experienced professors. The initial module encourages participants to reflect on and implement one evidence-based strategy in their own teaching, setting a clear actionable goal from the outset.
A crucial aspect of science education is addressing students’ prior conceptions, which can often act as barriers to understanding. The “Conceptual Change” module tackles this head-on, guiding educators on how to leverage existing ideas as starting points rather than obstacles. It introduces methods for assessing student understanding and strategies for fostering conceptual shifts and student engagement, a vital component for reducing failure rates.
The power of “Teaching with Analogies” is explored in depth, highlighting how metaphors and comparisons can make abstract scientific concepts tangible. The course critically examines the effectiveness of analogies, prompting educators to consider what students truly grasp and emphasizing that learners are not “tabula rasa.” This module is essential for anyone looking to improve concept learning through relatable explanations.
Furthermore, “(Re-)Frame your science teaching” focuses on increasing student interest, motivation, and comprehension by connecting science to real-world relevance and societal issues. It provides guidance on course design, thesis supervision, and effectively communicating risk and uncertainty, all aimed at making science more meaningful for students.
Finally, the “Teaching science in a lab or field” module offers practical advice on designing and delivering effective lab classes. It covers principles for presenting experiments clearly, assessing student competencies in experimentation, and understanding the role of models in science education. This section is invaluable for hands-on science educators.
Overall, “Teaching Science at University” is an outstanding resource for anyone involved in higher education science instruction. It moves beyond theoretical discussions to provide practical, research-backed strategies that can be immediately implemented. Whether you are a seasoned lecturer or a new teaching assistant, this course will undoubtedly enhance your ability to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists.
I highly recommend this course for its practical approach, evidence-based content, and clear guidance on transforming science teaching.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teachingscience