The following article is excerpted from "Bringing Active Learning to the Biochemistry Classroom One Step at a Time" by Dr. Jenny Loertscher, co-author of Foundations of Biochemistry, published by Pacific Crest. Dr. Loertscher's article appeared in the December issue of ASBMB today, the monthly  publication by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

In one of his recent President’s Messages (“A Teachable Moment,” October 2009), Gregory A. Petsko reflected on the potential of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to lead the way in revitalizing biochemistry and molecular biology education. In response to findings and directives from the Teagle working group (1), Petsko suggested that the time is right for our community to broaden educational goals within the BMB major. This is also a current priority for the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences (2). In addition to increasing student engagement in the classroom, teaching strategies that promote active learning help students improve skills such as writing, speaking, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Although our colleagues in the humanities and social sciences bear some responsibility for helping our students to learn these skills, ultimately, if we expect future biochemists and molecular biologists to have these competencies, we need to step up our teaching efforts in those areas.

College and university science teachers long have considered the laboratory the most appropriate arena in which to help students develop the thinking, communication and social skills necessary to succeed in scientific and medical professions. Focusing on scientific skills during lab is effective, but, as we try to elevate performance so that students can compete on a global level, teaching skills in the classroom is essential. Fortunately, a number of resources already exist for those who are interested in doing this.

POGIL
Process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) is one approach that aims to help students build an understanding of scientific concepts while simultaneously developing skills such as oral and written communication, problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork (3). . . .

We invite you to read the full article at:

http://www.asbmb.org/asbmbtoday/asbmbtoday_article.aspx?id=4758