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This paper by Bryan Dewsbury from Florida International University presents a transformative approach to teaching ecology through The Teaching Pentagon framework. It emphasizes the need for integrating various disciplines and quantifying biological concepts in education. The study highlights challenges faced in traditional integrative biology classes, the importance of instructor training, and novel strategies for contextualizing and reinforcing learning. By utilizing a multi-method approach, including peer-led team learning and guided inquiry, the framework aims to enhance student understanding and promote active engagement in high-enrollment classes.
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The Teaching Pentagon A quantitative, integrative approach to teaching Ecology Bryan Dewsbury Florida International University, Miami, Florida
A call for change New ways to integrate disciplines and quantify Biology
Integration issues • Integrative biology lecture classes sometimes light on content • Adding literature component to lecture class time consuming • Instructor training needed for the addition of other disciplines as well as quantitative techniques • Integration strategies typically integrate topics not learning mechanisms
Explicit Aims • Contextualization • Reinforcement • Integration
The Teaching Pentagon Lecture Statistics I/II PLTL General Biology Lab Journal Club
General Biology Lecture Peer-Led Team-Learning Journal Club General Biology Lab Statistics I (sophomore)
LECTURE JC PLTL LAB
The Teaching Pentagon Lecture Statistics I/II PLTL General Biology Lab Journal Club
Alligator tales lecture • General discussion about niche effects and interspecies interactions • Community effects of changes in species abundance • Role of alligators as keystone species in Everglades ecosystem
The Teaching Pentagon Lecture Statistics I/II PLTL General Biology Lab Journal Club
PLTL session • Guided discussion of tricky concepts • Led by a biology major upperclassman • Relaxed, pressure-free environment
The Teaching Pentagon Lecture Statistics I/II PLTL General Biology Lab Journal Club
The Teaching Pentagon Lecture Statistics I/II PLTL General Biology Lab Journal Club
Community Ecology Lab • Guided-inquiry • Focus on experimental design and data interpretation
The Teaching Pentagon Lecture Statistics I/II PLTL General Biology Lab Journal Club
Calculus/Statistics • Creation of modules in calculus that combines biological and mathematical solutions • Use of data set to teach statistical analysis in Statistics 1 • Data has both statistical and biological meaning
Benefits • Allows lecture to focus on concepts • Lab can focus on experimental design and not have to “re-lecture” • Students who learn differently can benefit from multi-pronged approach • Training tool for graduate student TAs
Future • Assessment scheme has just been fully implemented • Upscaling philosophy to high-enrollment classes