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Training graduate students to be teachers
D V de-Macedo1, E de-Paula, B B Torres
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
Summary
Graduate students innovated biochemistry teaching by developing and leading undergraduate courses, enhancing their pedagogical skills and curriculum development. This hands-on approach proved highly effective and engaging for both student groups.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry Education
- Graduate Student Training
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Traditional graduate pedagogy often limits innovation, relying on theoretical courses or assistant roles.
- Existing models are reproductive, offering minimal scope for significant curriculum advancement.
- A need exists for novel approaches in science education for graduate students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel pedagogical model for graduate students in biochemistry.
- To empower graduate students to design, develop, and teach undergraduate courses.
- To foster curriculum innovation through active graduate student participation.
Main Methods:
- Graduate students selected themes, organized content, prepared materials, and planned evaluations.
- A diverse range of teaching strategies were employed, including computer-aided instruction and laboratory classes.
- Graduate students co-taught an optional summer course for undergraduates, acting as instructors.
Main Results:
- Themes included Biochemistry of Exercise, Biochemistry of Nutrition, and Molecular Biology of Plants.
- Course demand significantly exceeded available spots, necessitating student selection.
- Both graduate and undergraduate students reported highly positive evaluations of the experience.
Conclusions:
- The implemented pedagogical approach is a unique and valuable experience for graduate students.
- Undergraduate students benefited from a more flexible curriculum and high-quality instruction.
- This model successfully promotes pedagogical skill development and curriculum innovation in graduate science programs.