This autumn, the new course "Introduction to teaching Biology" starts, which is aimed at all doctoral students who teach at the Department of Biology Education, or who have an interest in teaching biology.
Veronica Flodin at the Department of Teaching and Learning and Jessica Slove Davidson at the Department of Biology Education have worked together to develop the new course and are also course leaders.
— The course focuses on the subject of biology, while discussing and learning central concepts about teaching and learning in higher education, says Flodin.
The course provides support and knowledge allowing you, as a new teacher, to enter the teaching situation with confidence. Based on that goal, all course elements are chosen with great care and the course literature is specifically aimed at doctoral students who are about to start teaching.
— You will make a plan for your teaching and practice part of your teaching plan. The course consists of a number of tasks where you practice the course content, of which the teaching plan is the biggest task. But you will also complete smaller tasks such as interviewing a colleague and finding research articles on teaching in your subject, says Flodin.
Slove Davidson and Flodin want to offer plenty of inspiration to improve your teaching. They also highlight the value of getting to know other doctoral students and the opportunity to discuss together about how you can face challenges and develop fun ideas for working as a course assistant.
— As a participant you are offered a range of theoretical tools so that you can work continuously to reflect on and develop your teaching. Having "aha-moments" in the classroom makes teaching and learning more fun both for students and for yourself, says Slove Davidson.
The course is a collaboration between the BioResearch School at SU and the Centre for the Advancement of University Teaching.
Read more about the course "Introduction to teaching Biology"