Getting the Word Out on Effective Ways to Teach: the Promoting Active Learning & Mentoring (PALM) Research Coordination Network

Abstract

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), along with the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) and the Genetics Society of America (GSA), has received NSF funding for an incubator year of a network to promote best practices in active learning. The goal is to achieve sustained biology education reform in diverse institutions through a program that goes beyond short‐term training or individual workshops to develop long‐term teaching mentorships. As we outlined in the proposal overview, “The Promoting Active Learning & Mentoring (PALM) Research Coordination Network program allows faculty and postdoctoral fellows to gain hands‐on experience and long‐term mentorship (at least one semester) in bringing evidence‐based, effective active learning strategies into their own classrooms. PALM Fellows pair with mentors who have already reformed their classrooms, visit their mentors to observe and participate in redesigned classes, and develop an active learning based model for one of their classes with guidance from their mentors.” This initiative builds and expands on the ASCB Education Committee's current MALT (Mentoring in Active Learning and Teaching) program, which likewise pairs mentees with mentors experienced in active learning. Our goal is to use the network to reach instructors in the biological sciences from all types of institutions, particularly instructors of under‐represented students. We encourage EB society members who are interested in being a mentee, as well as members who have experience in active learning and could serve as mentors, to contact us.Support or Funding InformationNational Science Foundation #1539870