Teaching Resources for Instructors in the Program in Biology
The Office of Biology Undergraduate Education aims to ensure all faculty have the tools to evaluate their BIOL courses while creating a more transparent, clear, and inclusive learning experience for all students. The following resources are available for instructors:
Download an interactive checklist and find out.
“How-to” for writing course learning objectives in a measurable format
Research shows that courses that use specific and measurable learning objectives create transparency and foster an inclusive learning experience for all students. The Program in Biology aims to ensure all BIOL courses provide students with learning objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely - AKA “SMART” format.
Are your objectives SMART? Download this infographic to find out!
Want to see examples of syllabi with "SMART-format" course objectives? We have a shared Google Drive folder with examples for you to review.
Guidelines on integrating diversity and inclusion statements into course syllabi
Diversity and inclusion statements provide information to students on the importance of respecting multiple perspectives inside the classroom. This may include the importance of respecting and valuing others’ backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Do you have a diversity and inclusion statement on your syllabus? Download this resource guide to learn more about how to include this information and for examples.
Program in Biology expectations for undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs)
Teaching is a valuable learning and employment opportunity for our undergraduate students and a novel experience for many of them. Guidelines for hiring UTAs and clear expectations for when they are working lead to successful partnerships.
Want a refresher on UTA guidelines, or need assistance writing your UTA expectations? Download this template and resource guide to learn more.
Do you incorporate inclusive teaching practices into your courses? If so, add it to the Inclusive Practices in BIOL and Neuro Courses shared document. Or, download this resource guide to learn more about adopting an inclusive teaching practice.
Publishing Educational Scholarship - Get that Paper!
Did you know that the innovative teaching and assessment methods you design for your courses can be published in peer-reviewed education journals? Publishing education research benefits the educational community at large as well as your own professional academic career. Peer reviewed journals may be in broad categories, such as STEM education or in more specific categories, such as Biochemistry education.
Learn how to share your ideas with the educational community (and add to your C/V!) by reviewing the Get That Paper guide and scheduling a consultation with one of us!
We invite you to collaborate with us through scheduling a 1-1 consultation on incorporating these resources with Toni-Marie Achilli or Kristina Monteiro by scheduling a time using our calendar links below. Consultations can include providing additional information, feedback, or even writing.
Toni-Marie Achilli, PhD
Assistant Dean for Biology Undergraduate Education
[email protected] or
Calendly
Kristina Monteiro, PhD
Director, Academic Assessment & Evaluation for Biology
[email protected] or
Calendly