Category Archives: Student writing

When Projects Replace Exams: A True Story of Success and Failure

Posted on August 7, 2023 by nonmajorsbiology

Last fall, I changed many parts of my nonmajors biology class. Some changes were intended to give students a greater role in exploring topics that matter to them; others were aimed at improving information literacy; for still others, I hoped … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Assignments, Course design, Evolution, Experimental design, Student writing, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Final Quiz, Part III: What Left Me Wanting More

Posted on December 19, 2013 by nonmajorsbiology

Earlier this week I posted part II of the final pop quiz I give to my nonmajors biology class. By now, you probably already know that the quiz asks three questions: What was the most important thing you learned about … Continue reading →

Posted in Active learning, Assessment, Engaging students, Student writing, Teaching | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Final Quiz, Part II: What I’ll Never Forget

Posted on December 14, 2013 by nonmajorsbiology

In last week’s post I described the final pop quiz I give to my nonmajors biology class. To recap, the quiz asks three questions: What was the most important thing you learned about biology this semester? What is something you … Continue reading →

Posted in Active learning, Assessment, Assignments, Engaging students, Evolution, Student writing | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Final Quiz, Part II: What I’ll Never Forget

Teaching Natural Selection the YouTube Way

Posted on April 1, 2013 by nonmajorsbiology

One of the hardest parts about teaching evolution is helping students get over their misconceptions about how natural selection works. In a search for “natural selection” on YouTube, I discovered something striking: there are no 1- or 2-minute videos on … Continue reading →

Posted in Active learning, Assessment, Assignments, Collaboration, Engaging students, Evolution, Student writing, Teaching | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Taylor Mali Videos

Posted on December 5, 2012 by nonmajorsbiology

I recently came across three excellent videos that I wanted to share with you. Each video stars Taylor Mali, a former teacher turned poet. His poetry advocates the importance of teaching. Video #1: “What Teachers Make: In Praise of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Student writing, Teaching | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Talk to Your Colleagues

Posted on July 29, 2012 by nonmajorsbiology

A couple of months ago, I helped form a sort of “teaching club” with some carefully chosen colleagues. The idea originated with a talk by the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Robin Wright, who hosted an excellent workshop on active learning … Continue reading →

Posted in Active learning, Assessment, Assignments, Collaboration, Course design, Engaging students, Student writing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment