Biology students take on teaching role

A group of university students swapped roles with teaching staff recently at The University of Queensland’s ASELL Biology Workshop.

On June 9 and 10, UQ, in collaboration with the Advancing Science by Enhancing Learning in the Laboratory' project (ASELL), held an organised series of hands-on workshops in UQ's laboratories, whereby students provided feedback on academics' experiments.

Universities were invited to send a team comprising of one teacher and one student to attend the workshop, which included a range of discussions and laboratory-based activities.

Students and teachers were paired together to test eleven different laboratory experiments currently offered at UQ and two other Queensland universities.

ASELL Biology at UQ project leader Dr Sassan Asgari said the laboratory class complemented lecture-based learning activities in undergraduate science education.

“Well-designed practical classes that link theory to experimental observations are critical for improving scientific reasoning and competence in using laboratory equipment,” he said.

“Hands-on learning activities are critical in learning science, and the value of laboratory classes to compliment lecture-based learning activities is assumed in undergraduate science education.

“The UQ ASELL workshop will enable universities in Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region to offer tested, educationally sound laboratory experiments to their students as well as to provide professional development opportunities for academics designing and delivering practical classes.”

During the workshops, a broad spectrum of laboratory content was assessed including the microscopic examination of pollen and spores – as is done in forensic palynology for criminal investigations – and the prediction of the effect of climate change on an invasive species (cane toads) using temperature.

The students and academics critically evaluated each of the experiments and gave comprehensive feedback on how to improve the practicals for the future.

This project was funded by UQ’s Faculty of Science and the workshop was organized by Dr Sassan Asgari (School of Biological Sciences), Ms Kelly Mathews (TEDI) and Mrs Robyn Evans (Faculty of Science).

Media: Tracey Franchi, School of Biological Sciences Communications Manager (07 3365 4831 or t.franchi@uq.edu.au)