I am back from the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) meeting feeling energized and excited! Over 500 educators and education research professionals descended on the University of Minnesota campus July 11-14 to share knowledge about biology education research and connect with other like-minded professionals.
With such an impressive array of talks, posters, roundtables, and panels, I found this conference to be a great way to learn the general trends in undergraduate biology education today. The biggest theme that emerged for me was bringing inclusivity and equity into all aspects of teaching to support a student-centered approach.
I had a great time meeting many passionate educators at my poster and beyond. We shared interests and a vision for using films with personal storytelling to support students’ science identity and nature of science learning. If you’re interested in viewing my poster, as well as the two films featured in the study, check them out below:
Watch films from the study:
Kiana Frank, Native Hawaiian microbiologist, intertwines traditional wisdom with molecular techniques to reveal the role of nitrogen cycling in fish ponds.
From ancient fermentation to gene editing revolution. Learn how Rodolphe Barrangou’s work at Danisco unveiled CRISPR’s potential.
Also feel free to check out our other short films that incorporate different aspects of personal storytelling:
I want to close out with something that the SABER President Kelsey Metzger said at the meeting that really resonated with me: “SABER is my professional family.” It certainly feels that way. I am so grateful to have been so welcomed into this community and to continue to stay connected! My hope is that I can return next year, and I hope that for many of you, as well.
Warmly,
Shannon
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