Active Learning in University: An Integrated Science Course at Sabancı University
Tarih:
Başlangıç Zamanı: Starting Time 02:00 pm ~ 04:00 pm
Konum: DB16 (Yeni Kampüs)
TED University Center for Teaching and Learning is inviting our academicians to the seminar entitled "Active Learning in University: An Integrated Science Course at Sabancı University" by Dr. Emine Süphan Bakkal.
Abstract:
The Foundations Development Program offers University Courses (UCs), which are taken by all first-year students (~800) at Sabanci University regardless of their prospective majors. One of these, a two semester integrated science course “Science of Nature” (NS101/102), was redesigned in 2013. It is now offered in active-learning format to equip the younger generation with fundamental scientific knowledge and skills for coping with real complex contemporary challenges. Specifically backward course design was used with a modular structure around four questions from everyday life to promote critical thinking and back-of-the-envelope calculation skills. In the new format, active-learning and instruction methodologies are being used in lectures and recitations. Recitations are held in active learning classrooms specifically designed to promote collaborative learning. Master Teaching Scholars (graduate), teaching (graduate) and learning (undergraduate) assistants are the primary student contacts in recitations. Teaching and learning assistants facilitate collaboration among student groups, assess student understanding, and give oral and written feedback to students accordingly. We designed the Teaching Scholar Residency Program to train Master Teaching Scholars who coordinate a team of teaching and learning assistants in recitation classrooms and lead student-centered recitation sessions. I will present (i) the design and implementation of NS101/102 courses with students’ feedback and the outcomes and (ii)the design and outcomes of the Teaching Scholars Residency Program.
Bio:
Dr. Bakkal got her BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Boğaziçi University, her MSc in Biological Science and Bioengineering Program at Sabancı University, and her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her research focus was bacteriocins (protein toxins) and the role of bacteriocins in mediating bacterial interactions. During her doctoral studies, she also developed an interest in science education. In addition to research, she has involved the design of science and discussion-based courses. After she received her PhD, she was a postdoctoral fellow for a year at University of Massachusetts, Amherst and have worked on evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacterial species isolated from natural environments. She has been working at Sabancı University in Foundations Development Directorate as a member of the Nature of Science (NS) Course Team since 2011. She has involved the course design, coordination, and instruction of Science of Nature (NS101-102) courses which are offered in active-learning format. Additionally, she has involved the development of Teaching Scholar Residency Program and Learning Assistant Program which are designed to provide graduate teaching assistants and undergraduate learning assistants, respectively the professional skills to become effective facilitators in student‐centered active learning environment. Recently, she is working on the design and the development of video lectures.