This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. In this article, the author describes how she uses current biology-related news articles to introduce a course and its relevance, to actively engage students at the beginning of the semester, and…

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. This month's issue describes incorporating a journal article into the classroom by first converting it into a case study.

In the early 1900s science magazines were published with a goal of interesting and exciting the public about science and technology. Articles described technology that was possible and perhaps even tested, but never embraced because of practical limitations. Articles were written in an effort to instill creativity in the reader and to stimulate…

A journal-club-based class has been developed to promote active and cooperative learning and expose seniors in biochemistry and cellular molecular biology to recent research in the field. Besides giving oral presentations, students also write three papers: one discussing an article of their own choosing and two, discussing articles presented by…

To supplement the summer reading of National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) members, the NSTA Committee on Research in Science Education suggested a list of science education research articles that were published in the journals of NSTA's affiliates in 2012. These articles covered a variety of topics that include learning about…

Describes how conducting in-class symposia in which students present primary research articles can provide a window into the process of scientific research and communication; broaden student exposure to research; and improve their reading, writing, and oral presentation skills. The key to the success of this symposium format is allowing students…

Using "Science News" as a teaching tool promotes writing about science, talking about science, and broadening students' views about what science is. This article describes an ongoing assignment in which students choose one article from "Science News" each week and write a brief summary and explanation of why they picked that article. (Contains 1…

Explains how to use journal articles in undergraduate education to teach higher level thinking skills and identifies three components of the teaching approach: (1) small group teams; (2) the analytical process; and (3) the computer conference environment. (YDS)

Explains the interrupted journal case study method which integrates content, process, and application in an environmental biology course. Provides a sample case on wetland delineation and describes strategies to develop effective case studies in environmental education. (YDS)