Implementing the active learning strategies that we have been practicing on research papers requires some creative adjustments.  Dr. Jamillah Zamoon suggested the following as a frame-work for discussing research paper while maintaining the spirit of active learning.

1. The discussion leader (the person who chose the paper) describes the paper briefly and focuses on:
   1.  General background.
   2. Hypotheses.
   3. Objectives.
   4. Significance.
2. To achieve the goals of active learning, the focus will be on the figures of the paper.
3. Participants form groups of 4-5.
4. Each group will be assigned or will choose a figure (or more).
5. The group’s job is to discuss, analyze, and understand the assigned figure.  The group can focus on:
   1. The experimental design and methods that led to the results summarized in the figure.
   2. The data and analyses used to generate the results in the figure.
   3. What conclusions the figure support.
   4. Are their any weaknesses in the analysis/figure.
   5. Is their an alternative way to perform the analysis and present the results.
6. Each group can use the board to write:
   1. one side: Aspects understood and general notes.
   2. other side: Aspects unclear and questions.
7. The discussion leader takes charge and:
   1. Allows each group to their figure and related information in the paper.
   2. Summarizes and connects the figures together to understand the paper as a whole.
   3. States the conclusions.
   4. Answers questions and clarify any misunderstandings.

EHRAB week 24

A comparison of worldwide phonemic and genetic variation in human populations. by: Creanza et. al.

Paper selected by HA

EHRAB week 23

This article is not an open access one.  I have made copies and placed them in the box outside my office.  Feel free to go and pick up a copy.

Paper was selected by JZ

I have changed the time of EHRAB to fit my schedule and the schedule of most people interested in attending.  We will meet for EHRAB every Tuesday at 5pm. The location has not changed.  Below is the result of the doodle poll I conducted.

We have discussed a paper on November 5th 2014 about collective intelligence.  Using the findings in the paper, Dr. Jamillah Zamoon suggested applying some methods to enhance student participation and learning during the sessions.  We applied her suggestions last week and it was a lot of fun.  Below is what she gave us as a guide.

Question 1: What were some key factors that helped to elevate the performance/intelligence of human groups?

Social sensitivity

Equal turn taking

Question 2: How can we apply these ideas here?

Student-Centered (YOU are the focus)

ACTIVE learning (but we ALL must DO!!)

Question 3: Why do we want student-centered ACTIVE learning?

To empower YOU (independent, free thinking, confident, productive)

Question 4: How do we implement student-centered ACTIVE learning?

Please be sure to

Prepare:

Read, take notes and come with questions!!

Participate:

Responsibility of SELF: TALK-share your thoughts with your colleagues & your discussion leader.

Responsibility to OTHERS: Respect ALL, don’t be judgmental or selfish and listen, REALLY LISTEN!!!

Enjoy:

Loosen up

Have FUN! That’s is a worthy goal

Don’t worry about getting it “right” or “pleasing” the teacher!!

It’s about YOU learning. You’ll get there!

Method implementation: ACTIVE

1. Break up into small groups (3-4 people each).

2. Take a white board and a couple of pens.

3. Spend about 10 minutes in the smaller groups WORKING TOGETHER to organize your thoughts (things you understand on one side of the white board, things that are unclear on the other side).

4. Come back to the larger group and share your white boards with everyone under the guidance of your discussion leader.

Final Suggestions:

1) Mix it up (different people, different perspectives, broader/deeper learning, plus more friends).

2) Connect with people (don’t hide behind your screen or your papers, they should be for your reference only).

EHRAB week 22

Developing the Chromosome Theory. By: Clare O’Connor

We will be meeting at 1pm in the cafeteria

Topic selected by HA

EHRAB week 21

Mendelian Genetics: Patterns of Inheritance and Single-Gene Disorders. By: Heidi Chial

We will be meeting at 1 pm in the cafeteria.

Topic selected by HA

EHRAB week 20

Gregor Mendel and the Principles of Inheritance. By: Ilona Miko.

We will be meeting at 1pm in the sample place as usual.

Topic selected by HA

Week #19

How to Write Your First Research Paper

Paper selected by Ghina Alhadid

No EHRAB due to finals

–== Happy Finals and Holidays ==–