This interactive workshop "Engaging Techniques for Teaching Students & Scholars How to Read Scientific Papers" is based on a unique USC Keck School of Medicine course for undergraduates, grad students, and PhDs enrolled together and taught by Dr. Leonardo Morsut. Workshop facilitators, including Dr. Morsut, present common reasons why reading research can be so challenging (even for advanced students) and model effective techniques for helping students and scholars practice this skill in more engaging ways. Participants will work with colleagues in breakout groups to simulate the activities used with students and plan updates to their own teaching. This workshop is recommended for anyone who notices their students/scholars struggling to read research, particularly university faculty and researchers in the sciences and/or those assisting faculty in the sciences with their courses or other educational offerings and trainings. This might also be of interest to TAs and graduate students pursuing a career in science and/or science teaching.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to
- Identify reasons why students/scholars struggle with scientific papers
- Apply provided engagement strategies to our own teaching
- Plan updates for how we teach scientific papers
