학술논문
Evolution of a Self-Renewing, Participant-Centered Workshop Series in BMB Assessment
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Reports - Research
Author
Ludmila Tyler; Peter J. Kennelly; Shelly Engelman; Kirsten F. Block; Jennifer C. Bobenko; Jaclyn Catalano; Jesica A. Jones; Margaret I. Kanipes-Spinks; Yang Mooi Lim; Jennifer Loertscher; Tejiri Olafimihan; Hailey Reiss; Territa L. Upchurch-Poole; Yufeng Wei; Kimberly J. Linenberger Cortes; Victoria Del Gaizo Moore; Daniel R. Dries (ORCID 0000-0002-0530-5212 )
Source
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1470-8175
1539-3429
1539-3429
Abstract
We present as a case study the evolution of a series of participant-centered workshops designed to meet a need in the life sciences education community--the incorporation of best practices in the assessment of student learning. Initially, the ICABL (Inclusive Community for the Assessment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/BMB Learning) project arose from a grass-roots effort to develop material for a national exam in biochemistry and molecular biology. ICABL has since evolved into a community of practice in which participants themselves--through extensive peer review and reflection--become integral stakeholders in the workshops. To examine this evolution, this case study begins with a pilot workshop supported by seed funding and thoughtful programmatic assessment, the results of which informed evidence-based changes that, in turn, led to an improved experience for the community. Using participant response data, the case study also reveals critical features for successful workshops, including participant-centered activities and the value of frequent peer review of participants' products. Furthermore, we outline a train-the-trainer model for creating a self-renewing community by bringing new perspectives and voices into an existing core leadership team. This case study, then, offers a blueprint for building a thriving, evolving community of practice that not only serves the needs of individual scientist-educators as they seek to enhance student learning, but also provides a pathway for elevating members to positions of leadership.