ReSOURCES

Learning and well-being:

•  A nice course for students on how to learn:  Learning how to learn - A Coursera course by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski

• Book summary of - How to become a straight-A student- by Cal Newport

• Relaxation methods to improve dopamine levels:

  • • Improve your base dopamine levels for motivation and drive by Dr. Andrew Huberman

    • 10 min guided non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) - By Kamini Desai

    • Guided progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

Biology resources:

• Why study biology?

• General biology (Khan Academy)

• Amoeba sisters - General Biology 

• ibiology - A great general resource

• Learn genetics - A great resource for genetics

• MIT open courseware biology

• Crash course

• Bozeman Science

• Professor Dave Explains

• Armando Hasudungan

• Ninja nerd

• HHMI Biointeractive

• Biorender learning hub

Chemistry resources:

• Why learn chemistry?

• Organic chemistry tutor (A good resource for general chemistry and organic chemistry)

• AK Lectures (A good resource for general chemistry and biochemistry)

• Tyler Dewitt (A good resource for general chemistry)

• Professor Dave (Lectures in Inorganic/Organometallic Chemistry)

• Physical Chemistry I - (Lectures by Profs. Moungi Bawendi and Keith Nelson)

• Physical Chemistry II - (Lectures by Prof. Robert Field)

Physics resources:

• Why study physics?

• General Physics I (Mechanics) (Lectures by Prof. Walter Lewin with Demonstrations)

• General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) (Lectures by Prof. Walter Lewin)

• General Physics III (Waves and vibrations) (Lectures by Prof. Walter Lewin)

• Quantum physics I (Lectures by Prof. Allan adams)

• Quantum physics II (Lectures by Prof. Barton Zwiebach)

Inclusive teaching in STEM:

• Structure Matters: Twenty-One Teaching Strategies to Promote Student Engagement and Cultivate Classroom Equity, Kimberly D. Tanner CBE—Life Sciences Education 2013 12:3, 322-331 

• A Portal into Biology Education: An Annotated List of Commonly Encountered Terms, Sarah Miller and Kimberly D. Tanner, CBE—Life Sciences Education 2015 14:2 

Pedagogical approaches

• Active Learning

What is it? Engages students through activities and discussions to enhance learning and retention.

Reference: Freeman et al. (2014). Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics.

• Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

What is it? Students learn by solving complex, real-world problems, fostering critical thinking.

Reference: Savery, J.R. (2006). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions.

• Project-Based Learning (PjBL)

What is it? Focuses on student-driven projects requiring inquiry and problem-solving over time.

Reference: Kokotsaki et al. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. 

• Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL)

What is it? Students work collaboratively on guided inquiry activities to construct knowledge.

Reference: Moog & Spencer (2008). POGIL: An overview.

• Inquiry-Based Learning

What is it? Encourages students to ask questions and conduct investigations to build understanding.

Reference: Prince & Felder (2006). Inductive teaching and learning methods: Definitions, comparisons, and research bases. 

• Design-Based Learning (DBL)

What is it? Integrates design thinking into learning, where students create and iterate solutions.

Reference: Doppelt (2003). Implementation and assessment of project-based learning in a flexible environment. 

• Blended Learning

What is it? Combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components.

Reference: Graham (2006). Blended learning systems: Definition, current trends, and future directions. 

• Flipped Classroom

What is it? Students engage with instructional content outside class and use class time for activities.

Reference: Bishop & Verleger (2013). The flipped classroom: A survey of the research. 

• Differentiated Instruction

What is it? Tailors teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.

Reference: Tomlinson (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms.

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

What is it? Provides multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to support all learners.

Reference: Rose & Meyer (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design forlearning.

• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

What is it? Incorporates students' cultural references in all aspects of learning.

Reference: Gay (2002). Preparing for culturally responsive teaching.

• Digital Pedagogy

What is it? Utilizes digital tools and platforms to enhance learning experiences.

Reference: Selwyn (2012). Education in a digital world: Global perspectives on technology and education.

• Specifications Grading

What is it? Students demonstrate mastery by meeting clearly defined criteria; assessments are graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory, promoting transparency and reducing stress.

Reference: Katzman et al. (2021). The Effect of Specifications Grading on Students’ Learning and Attitudes in an Undergraduate-Level Cell Biology Course.