Dr. Pandey publishes a classroom intervention for forming content-focused student groups
A newly published study in the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education introduces a novel icebreaker activity designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration in life science classrooms. The article, titled “A Group-Forming Course Content-Focused Icebreaker for Life Science Classrooms” (DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00173-24), presents a structured approach to group formation that integrates course content from the very first class session.
The activity guides students in forming groups based on specific content-related prompts, encouraging meaningful discussions and collaboration. Initial findings suggest that this method improves classroom dynamics, enhances student confidence, and fosters an inclusive learning environment. This study contributes to evidence-based teaching practices in STEM education, providing instructors with a practical strategy to promote active learning and student engagement from day one.
The intervention was developed, implemented, assessed and disseminated in collaboration with faculty at University of Dubuque, IA and Indiana University, IN, and was funded through the ImmunoReach NSF grant.