A Creative Approach: Teaching Biology Labs through Arts-based Learning

 

Lee Beavington

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2016, Volume 37

Abstract

An experiential learning environment fosters engagement and commitment to process, while arts-based learning incorporates student creativity and involvement. Through the three activities outlined in this paper, designed for undergraduate biology students in the lab or classroom, teachers become facilitators of interactive and aesthetic experiences. The desired outcome is arts-based teaching directly relevant to biological learning outcomes, where students actively engage with and indelibly remember their experience. These activities are complementary to, rather than replacements for, labs or lectures.

Keywords:  pedagogy, active learning, arts-based teaching, creative learning, embodiment

Boston University (2015)