Our session is pre-recorded so we won't be with you live - feel free to ask questions using this
Google doc or by tweeting us: @hsmiceli and @lindseygumb
Presentation Slides:
Science Isn't Really My Thing
In this session, we have invited two former students, who previously participated in the open pedagogy project we employ in a general education science course, to share their and their classmates' perceptions and experiences participating in the project. Non-majors students have very complex emotions and experiences that shape their relationship with science. Many students enter with high anxiety and low confidence in their scientific abilities, usually manifesting in comments like “Just so you know, I’m not good at science.” We’ve noticed that open pedagogy has allowed these students a participatory voice in scientific dialogues that they are often excluded from as non-majors.
The students have previously participated in groups to create, edit, and curate websites that were then used as the “textbook” for future semesters. Students have often responded positively to this project, citing that knowing their work will help future students in this required course gives them more confidence in science, as well as gives them a more solid purpose for completing the project. Because this project is about giving students a voice in spaces they usually don’t have one, these students are excited to engage with the Open Education community to amplify their experiences. After a brief introduction to the project, students will be asked about their feelings upon entering the course, their experiences creating and editing the websites, and their feelings exiting the course, among other questions. The student presenters will also share and respond to quotes from their fellow classmates. Questions from the audience will be welcomed as well.
Learning Outcomes:
Students that enter required, general education science courses can have high anxiety and low confidence, open pedagogy can be a tool used to increase confidence, decrease anxiety, and give students a voice in science. Attendees will hear from students themselves regarding the impact of participating in open pedagogy in their required general education science course.
