Peer Teachings
(For
select concepts within the course)
Introduction. Sometimes when we teach a
subject we learn a subject better. Being able to verbalize an important
concept to others is a crucial part to the process of internalizing and
retaining knowledge. At various points within this course, you will be
tasked with teaching a particular concept to another. You will have 1
week to find some person outside this course to explain the concept to.
The explanation must be complete and you must include explanations of as
many supporting concepts as is necessary to teach the subject.
Mechanics. When you are assigned a topic for Peer Teachings you
will be given a recording device by the instructor. You have 1 week to
find another person – it can be a fellow student, a friend, a family
member or anyone who is not participating in this course. You must
explain the assigned scientific concept to this person in a manner that
they can understand scientifically. The explanation must be thorough and
convey the important nuances of the concept. You must record your
encounter on the recording device and submit your audio files to the
instructor within 1 week of the assignment.
Audio files should be between 5 to 30 minutes long.
Grading. You will be graded on how accurate your explanation is
and how well you are able to convey all significant aspects of the
concept. When the topic is assigned, the instructor will specify the
aspects that are significant. Remember, that precision is a must in
scientific explanations, whether written or verbal. You description must
precisely explain the assigned topic. A rubric is provided below.
Rubric
The explanation will be judged against an answer key outlining
significant parts of the explanation. This will be provided after
grading is complete.
The base grade is 85% (B) modified as follows:
-10% for each significant aspect not included in explanation (there will
usually be up to three)
-10% for imprecise language
-5% for each inaccurate fact
+5% for very good explanation of the overall concept
+5% for other significantly good explanations of core concepts
+5% for good/thorough background information
+5% for asking questions or providing good answers to questions
Be careful using metaphors in your explanation. They are best left for
supporting concepts because if the metaphor breaks down significantly
and results in an incorrect understanding of the concept or process
explained you will lose 1 letter grade.
If you do not forget significant aspects of the explanation, don’t use
imprecise language and don’t get any facts wrong you have a solid “B”,
in order to get an “A” you need to provide good/thorough background
information or have a particularly good explanation for all or part of
the concept.
Note: Your assignment may be returned in the form of an audio
file where instructor comments have been edited into your recording.
Grades will be posted on Blackboard.
