PRE- AND POST-WORKSHOP ASSESSMENT OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ATTENDING THE SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP 'FROM EDUCATIONAL TO SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES: SUGAR POLYMERS IN BIOLOGY AND THEIR APPLICATIONS'

摘要

During summer 2010, a two-week-long scientific workshop "From educational to scientific perspectives: sugar polymers in biology and their applications" was offered for high school teachers and students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Department of Biology. Teacher and student participants took part in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities in order to improve math and science skills. Participants were taught various laboratory techniques, computer skills, Public Medical library searches, individual research project, PowerPoint presentation preparation, and a final oral presentation. Each participant was given pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, to gage initial and acquired knowledge. From the questionnaires, it was determined that there was a significant gain in knowledge of basic scientific concepts related to sugar polymers and their applications. It was found that 100% of participants - five teachers and seven students - reported their overall STEM experience as favorable. Furthermore, participants reported that the research project, computer techniques, and PowerPoint presentations were useful. This research experience provides knowledge about basic scientific concepts and is an excellent method to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary education for both teachers and students.