This is in response to Andrew's question about 'throwing away' the
textbook in ecology classes.
In my own ecology class I use an ecology text as an assigned
reference for the very many (over 30) research papers we read. In
nearly every class students present a primary article and I assign
specific, limited numbers of pages in a text. I do that because even
though I ask students to put the assigned paper into the larger
ecological context, it is of course hard for sophomores and juniors
to do that. (Feel free to contact me for the list of papers) So the
textbook is a reference for the papers which are the main focus.
Your questions about what students in ecology really 'should' know
are vital ones. The ESA education section has been struggling with
this for years and, as you might assume, we do not agree. Here are
some of my ideas:
* Focus on cognitive/thinking skills important in ecology
(and science) and not just on subject matter. A main reason students
present so many papers in my class is because I want students to know
how to read and discuss ecological primary articles - how to identify
the core question, describe and explain data, connect findings to
experimental design, make their own conclusions, etc. The field
component involves writing primary-style papers as well, so there is
a connection there.
* Keep the 'content' small and do it well. Actively involve
your students in their own learning. Very clearly identify what you
want your students to know - and then try to assess along the way
their progress. There are many suggestions on TIEE (tiee.ecoed.net)
in the Teaching Section about how to do ongoing (formative)
evaluation. An example is the minute paper that you give at the end
of class. This is not just 'education-eze'; it's important.
* Connect up with other ecology faculty asking the same
questions. The Education Section of the ESA is very active; come to
our meetings, workshops, and sessions at the annual meeting. There is
also Ecoed net where you can post questions.
Hope this is helpful. After 30 years teaching, I appreciate more than
ever what an extraordinarily difficult thing it is to do well!
--
Charlene
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Charlene D'Avanzo
Professor of Ecology &
Director, Center for Learning
Hampshire College
Phone 413-5595569
FAX 413-5595448
Homepage: http://helios.hampshire.edu/~cdNS/
TIEE: http://tiee.ecoed.net/
Course website: http://ns.hampshire.edu/ns207/
ns/ns207
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