Multiple benefits derived from a peer teacher program in two undergraduate microbiology lab courses

Area of Science:

• Microbiology Education
• Peer-Assisted Learning

Background:

• Undergraduate microbiology labs face challenges with limited instructors and large student numbers.
• This necessitates innovative solutions to maintain educational quality and student support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a peer teaching program in undergraduate microbiology laboratory courses.
• To assess the impact of peer teachers on student learning, instructor workload, and peer teacher development.

Main Methods:

• A peer teaching program was established where senior students assisted in undergraduate microbiology labs.
• The program involved training peer teachers and integrating them into lab sessions to support students and instructors.

Main Results:

• Students reported enhanced learning and comfort receiving assistance from peer teachers.
• Peer teachers gained valuable experience, confidence, and hands-on teaching opportunities.
• Lab instructors received crucial support, enabling more individualized student attention.

Conclusions:

• The peer teaching program effectively addressed instructor shortages and improved the undergraduate microbiology lab experience.
• The initiative yielded positive outcomes for students, peer teachers, and instructors, demonstrating its value.