Multiple benefits derived from a peer teacher program in two undergraduate microbiology lab courses
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
Frances C Sailer1, Roger W Melvold, Charles C Hosford
1Department of Microbiology/Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202.
Abstract:
A peer teaching program was implemented to alleviate the problem of a limited number of lab instructors attempting to teach large numbers of students in two different undergraduate microbiology lab courses. The benefit of having peer teachers was immediately obvious to the lab instructors, faculty and staff who were responsible for conducting the labs, but it was soon evident that there were also benefits for everyone else involved in the program. The students enrolled in the labs reported that having peer teachers in the lab enhanced their learning, and they felt comfortable receiving help from a peer teacher who had recently completed the course. The peer teachers discovered that they gained valuable experience and confidence while teaching other students, and they appreciated the chance to gain hands-on experience. The lab instructors received the qualified help they needed in order to give more individual attention to the large numbers of students in the labs. The feedback from this program has been positive from everyone involved.
More Related Videos
13:44Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
09:27Functional Complementation Analysis (FCA): A Laboratory Exercise Designed and Implemented to Supplement the Teaching of Biochemical Pathways
Published on: June 24, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
Key Techniques in Microbiology
Applications of Molecular Taxonomy
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
Automated Microbial Diagnostics