AERA 2008

Marbach-Ad, G., McGinnis, J. R., Pease, R., Dai, A, Schalk, K., & Bensen, S. (2008). Teaching for All in a Microbiology Course for Non-Majors and Teachers’ Interns: Project Nexus (Y2). A paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York, New York, April, 2008.

ABSTRACT  

We investigated a pedagogical innovation in an undergraduate microbiology course (Microbes and Society) for non-majors and education majors. The aim was to improve students’ understanding by connecting their science experience to their area of interest and build an environment that promotes “science for all.” Thus, a primary goal of the course (lecture and lab components) was to model active science teaching and learning that recognized and used student diversity (backgrounds and interest). This course was part of a longitudinal project (Project Nexus) that is studying the preparation of upper elementary and middle level specialist science teachers. We used a battery of data collection instruments. We analyzed all data in several dimensions including science in society, and teaching for all. Findings suggested that we implemented a non-major’s science course especially suited for education majors that enhanced the students’ motivation, satisfaction, and view of science.

This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0455752. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

© 2005 University of Maryland