The Department of Biochemistry's weekly BCH 252 seminar series is presented this week by

Dr. Stephanie Dingwall, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Department of Biochemistry, UC Riverside 

Seminar Title:  "Lessons Learned from Active Engagement in a Remote Biochemistry Course"

Abstract: In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced an abrupt transition from in-person courses to a remote format.  To keep students engaged in a large-enrollment introductory biochemistry course, a plethora of techniques were used: from synchronous lectures and active learning via the Zoom platform, to the asynchronous online discussion board Piazza.  The course and assessments were also modified in consideration of students’ non-academic struggles relating to the pandemic.  Student evaluations at the conclusion of the quarter indicated that they preferred synchronous lectures over asynchronous ones, flipping their pre-course preferences.  These techniques and accommodations to the remote learning environment led to an overwhelmingly positive overall experience and promoted student engagement, especially in the face of increasing worldwide social unrest and uncertainty.

Seminar Host: Dr. Jikui Song; jikui.song@ucr.edu