BIOG 2401 - Developing a Reflective Study Group Leader Practice II

Spring. 2 or 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Application required. To be eligible for BioG 2401, students must apply for a Biology Scholars Program (BSP) Study Group Leader (SGL) position in the spring semester. Contact Jeff McCaffrey (jm298@cornell.edu) for more information.

K. Hutchin, J. McCaffrey, L. Nicholson.

Students will complete readings and view online media on teaching and learning, create and critique lesson plans, and participate in regular discussions with other SGLs. Each week SGLs will reflect on their group meetings through both writing and discussion, and review challenges and successes during trainings. The SGL position is a year-long commitment; members will enroll in BioG 2401 in the spring. Topics covered in BioG 2400 and 2401 include leading effective groups, cognitive taxonomy, motivation techniques, facilitating discussion, learning styles, growth mindset, metacognition, resilience, community building, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

Outcome 1: Students will foster a safe and welcoming environment centered on collaborative learning.

Outcome 2: Students will develop collaborative learning exercises for courses required by the Biological Sciences major

Outcome 3: Students will develop effective group facilitation and group discussion strategies.

Outcome 4: Students will construct effective lesson plans that challenge students at or just above their level of understanding in the subject.

Outcome 5: Students will gather and utilize feedback from group members to improve as a leader.

Outcome 6: Students will use teaching and learning theories to plan for and conduct study group.

Outcome 7: Students will self-assess learning style preferences and help group members to do the same.

Outcome 8: Students will discuss and implement solutions to challenging study group scenarios.

Outcome 9: Students will reflect on development as a Study Group Leader and identify areas needing improvement.

Outcome 10: Students will understand and respond to needs of diverse learners, who are sometimes from disadvantaged/marginalized backgrounds.