Workshop Spotlight
Biology teachers often wonder how they can make neuroscience a subject that inspires curiosity and excitement in their students. What if there was a way for teachers to learn first-hand how research scientists study neurological diseases and their effect on the human body? With the Tufts University School of Medicine, MƒA made this a reality by providing teachers an opportunity to explore engaging neuroscience curriculum through cutting edge research and collaboration.
In the MƒA course “Tufts University Great Diseases Curriculum: Neurological Disorders,” which was held six times throughout the school year, MƒA teachers learned the science behind neurological disorders and were introduced to the Great Diseases high school curriculum by Liz Genné-Bacon, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Center for Translational Science Education at Tufts University School of Medicine. Participants studied neurological diseases through online modules, group discussions, and hands-on activities. “There are endless facets to neuroscience exploration and new scientific breakthroughs every day. Getting the opportunity to put my ‘student hat’ on and learn from other scientists was invaluable,” said MƒA Master Teacher Vanessa Keen.
Throughout this course, teachers were shown how this work is being implemented in NYC public schools, and discussed ways to incorporate the Great Diseases curriculum into their own classrooms. They also had the option to take this course for graduate level credits through a Tufts University scholarship. For MƒA Master Teacher Vincent Joralemon, the experience was a combination of personal enrichment and pedagogical development. “Opportunities like this acknowledge each MƒA teacher as a whole person who is encouraged to develop on a multifaceted front.”
"Getting the opportunity to put my ‘student hat’ on and learn from other scientists was invaluable."
