Poster Sessions as a Learning Technique

Abstract

While poster sessions have been used in some academic areas as an alternative to traditional teaching techniques, their use in chemistry has generally been limited to the presentation of results of undergraduate research projects at professional conferences. This paper describes the use of poster sessions as a teaching tool in a junior level biochemistry course. Students were assigned the task of investigating a disease of their choice and then preparing and presenting a poster describing the molecular origin of the disease. The posters were evaluated by faculty members from various disciplines. The grade from the poster was equivalent to an exam. This paper describes the logistics and outcome of this alternative teaching method. This approach provided a student-driven educational experience. It provided the students the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate expertise in a particular disease of their choice and to receive immediate feedback regarding their effort in a one-on -one fashion. It also provided and educational experience and fostered a spirit of cooperation among those in attendance.