Publicação
Technology and innovation in teaching genetics: project-based learning in the construction of cloning strategies
| Resumo: | Project-based learning (PBL) is an active student-centred form of instruction that uses a project as a central vehicle of knowledge acquisition. Besides its high potential in developing structured thinking, constructive investigations, and improving the students’ responsibility and autonomy, this methodology is not strongly applied in Science degrees, where standardised tests and fixed protocol-driven laboratorial applications are still the dominant ways to assess academic achievement. This research involved the implementation of a PBL in teaching gene cloning strategies to third-year students of the BSc Biotechnology course. The methodology was conducted in four stages, integrating two curricular units, Genetic Engineering, and Integrated-Laboratories VB. Firstly, the project was conceptualised in Genetic Engineering theoretical classes with tutorial support. Secondly, the planned protocol was applied in the laboratory with tutor supervision. Thirdly, collaboration, communication, and reflection skills were emphasized with a poster presentation. Finally, an evaluation questionnaire was applied. The study's main findings were: 1) none of the students have ever had PBL, 2) the majority of students achieved better comprehension and acquired stronger theoretical knowledge, 3) they gained more autonomy in the laboratory, and 4) strongly recommended this methodology. However, students also acknowledged that the PBL approach was more time and study demanding. |
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| Autores principais: | Sousa, A.C.C. |
| Outros Autores: | Santos, Sónia A.P.; Osório, N.M.; Justino, Marta Campos |
| Assunto: | Cloning Genetic engineering Laboratories PBL Clonagem Engenharia genética Laboratórios ABP |
| Ano: | 2023 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | capítulo de livro |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal |
| Resumo: | Project-based learning (PBL) is an active student-centred form of instruction that uses a project as a central vehicle of knowledge acquisition. Besides its high potential in developing structured thinking, constructive investigations, and improving the students’ responsibility and autonomy, this methodology is not strongly applied in Science degrees, where standardised tests and fixed protocol-driven laboratorial applications are still the dominant ways to assess academic achievement. This research involved the implementation of a PBL in teaching gene cloning strategies to third-year students of the BSc Biotechnology course. The methodology was conducted in four stages, integrating two curricular units, Genetic Engineering, and Integrated-Laboratories VB. Firstly, the project was conceptualised in Genetic Engineering theoretical classes with tutorial support. Secondly, the planned protocol was applied in the laboratory with tutor supervision. Thirdly, collaboration, communication, and reflection skills were emphasized with a poster presentation. Finally, an evaluation questionnaire was applied. The study's main findings were: 1) none of the students have ever had PBL, 2) the majority of students achieved better comprehension and acquired stronger theoretical knowledge, 3) they gained more autonomy in the laboratory, and 4) strongly recommended this methodology. However, students also acknowledged that the PBL approach was more time and study demanding. |
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