Popular Press Biology Readings: Assignments beyond the Summary

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2011, Volume 32

Alysa Remsburg

Abstract

A wide variety of biology-focused news articles and popular books bring alive the relevance of challenging biology concepts. As a result of their writing style, students are much more interested and willing to read these biology explanations than their textbook. A supplemental mass-media reading assignment that includes much student choice can foster learning from a diverse student body. The accompanying think-piece writing assignments require that students practice critical thinking, rather than simply summarizing articles. A survey assessing disposition suggests that the assignment sparked many students' interest to learn more about biology topics and helped some students improve writing skills. The written reflections can also prepare students for discussions during class, although timing and student choice of articles pose challenges. Accompanying this poster are lists of suggested articles and excerpts from the popular press for the think-piece assignments in introductory biology and conservation biology courses.

Keywords:  popular press

Dalhousie University (2010)