Active learning in a Molecular Genetics course A novice's experience

Abstract

“Active learning” is a concept for ensuring student attention during long lectures. This concept was used in a Molecular Genetics evening lecture class of the first author at a university of applied sciences. The purpose of this paper is to compare exam results in relation to whether a certain subject question was supported by an active learning element during the lecture, or not. The results of the final exams, while giving strong hints for the positive effect of the active learning elements, were not simple to interpret, but the authors' general conclusion is that active learning elements can greatly enhance a lecture class under certain conditions - they should be creative, thought-provoking and unexpected, but also meet the students where the actually are in terms of their basic knowledge and current situation. Moderately frequent, interesting elements will leave a positive impression that may even become manifest in exam results.