Biology Professor how-to

How to Teach a Large Intro Biology Class

Big classes can still be active.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Big classes can still be active. In short: use; break; use, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Use clickers or polls.

  2. Break lectures into short segments.

  3. Use pair discussions.

  4. Give frequent low-stakes quizzes.

  5. Coordinate TAs.

  6. Check in on struggling students.

Safety reminders for biology professors

  • Follow biosafety and chemical safety
  • Comply with IRB and IACUC
  • Protect student privacy
  • Train lab members

Gene expression · CRISPR · PCR · Ecology · Evolution · Cell biology: see the full biology professor glossary.

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