The aim of the course Algae and Student Projects is to train students to recognize algae as suitable and valuable model organisms in teaching nature and biology. Through lectures and project-based learning, students will realize that there are no limits to the use of algae in education, but rather numerous opportunities to connect them with curricular content.
In line with the new curriculum, which provides teachers with greater autonomy and freedom, the course emphasizes that a project with algae can be designed as: a student project within regular classes, a project for additional or extracurricular activities, a school-level project, or a project intended for student competitions.
The course enables students to consider the challenges of this teaching approach (organizational, methodological, and technical) and to critically reflect on its feasibility and sustainability. At the same time, the focus is on the benefits of using algae in teaching: encouraging inquiry-based learning, developing creativity and teamwork, linking scientific content with practical experience, and increasing student motivation for nature and biology.
Students are expected to have solid prior knowledge of biology and ecology to successfully complete the course. Background knowledge in algology, botany, zoology, and teaching methodology of nature and biology is recommended.
At the program level, the course contributes to developing students? motivation for expanding knowledge and confidence in their own abilities; persistence in learning and knowledge transfer; systematic and critical thinking; the ability to analyze and solve problems and to communicate clearly; readiness for collaboration and teamwork; integration of theoretical and practical knowledge in a broader educational context; independence in learning and problem-solving; and competencies necessary to provide reasoned responses to scientific questions in education.
At the course level, through active participation, students will acquire knowledge useful for linking algae and their role in nature with the curriculum of primary and secondary schools; develop skills in planning and leading student projects; apply methods of collecting, identifying, and documenting algae; design and implement teaching models, experiments, and workshops with algae; critically evaluate student projects and propose improvements; prepare and present a seminar, and participate in academic discussion.
COURSE CONTENT
? 1st lecture (2 hours) Introduction ? objectives, structure, and course organization. General information, rules, obligations, and monitoring of progress.
? 2nd lecture (2 hours) What are algae? Structure, diversity, habitats, role in nature, and significance for humans.
? 3rd lecture (2 hours) Algae as model organisms in teaching biology and nature. Examples of research and projects.
? 4th lecture (2 hours) School collections, models, experiments, workshops, and a scientific corner. Techniques of collecting and documenting algae, herbariums, wet and permanent preparations.
? 5th lecture (2 hours) Theory of implementing student projects. Independent and guided projects, mentorship.
? 6th lecture (2 hours) Student project proposal ? independent selection of topic, formulation of goals and hypotheses.
? 7th lecture (2 hours) Joint project proposal ? collaboration between students and mentors, teamwork, and task distribution.
? 8th lecture (2 hours) Selection of algae for student projects ? criteria, sustainability, availability, and educational value.
? 9th lecture (2 hours) Acquisition of materials ? challenges and organization of resources.
? 10th lecture (2 hours) Goals, hypotheses, and project plan. Methodology and planning of research.
? 11th lecture (2 hours) Expected results and their valorization within and beyond the curriculum.
? 12th lecture (2 hours) Implementation of student projects ? phases of work, role of mentors, process evaluation.
? 13th lecture (2 hours) Curriculum and learning outcomes ? links with teaching nature and biology in primary schools.
? 14th lecture (2 hours) Topics that algae cover in teaching ? general (ecology, diversity, nature conservation) and specific (photosynthesis, unicellular organisms, carbon cycle).
? 15th lecture (2 hours) Evaluation of prepared project proposals ? discussion, assessment, and improvement.
SEMINARS
(1 hour/week) ? follow the course content. Through seminar work, students gain experience in collecting, documenting, and preserving algae, designing and implementing projects, bringing them to completion, and presenting them.
FORMS OF TEACHING
Lectures and seminars, Merlin e-learning, independent assignments, multimedia, mentoring. Students actively participate in all forms of teaching.
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A Teacher's Guide To Classroom Research, David Hopkins, Open Univerisity Press, McGraw-Hill Education, Berkshire, England, 2014.
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Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers, Judith Bell and Stephen Waters, Open Univerisity Press, McGraw-Hill Education, London, England., 2018.
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Research Methods in Education, Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, Keith Morrison, RoutledgeTaylor & Francis. London and New York, 2018.
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