Genetics Outreach
Associate Professor Dawn Gleeson
Department of Genetics
Can you imagine over 26 000 VCE students and their teachers in your departmental laboratories over the past eight years? Associate Professor Dawn Gleeson, Department of Genetics, writes about the experiences of the Department of Genetics outreach program.
In 2000, changes to the VCE Biology curriculum required two of the school-assessed components (SAC) to utilise equipment which many secondary schools did not possess. In consultation with our technical staff, the Department of Genetics developed two activities that met the SAC requirements, and started offering workshops for senior high school students.
(Photographer: Natalie Pestana)
By the end of August 2009, our department has trained over 26 000 students from both private and government schools. However, one of the most positive outcomes is the attendance of a high proportion of regional students. Students travel from as far away as Mildura, Ouyen, Cann River, Timboon, Edenhope and Wonthaggi.
Each session runs for 2.5 hours with postgraduate students and some third year undergraduate students demonstrating to groups of 8 -12 students. The "Head Demonstrator" is either an academic staff member or, more recently, later-year postgraduate students. We accommodate 120-130 students in a laboratory in one session and in any one year run multiple sessions (30 in 2008).
At least 150 teachers attend yearly with their students. During each session a coffee break is held for teachers where they can network with our academic and technical staff. There is always lively discussion. Many teachers work in isolation, particularly in a small regional school and this is an ideal venue to share ideas.
The program is highly popular and the teachers return with their students year after year.
This program has many positive outcomes:
- it fulfils a requirement for two school assessed tasks in Biology by offering an authentic laboratory experience
- it brings students to the University to see it "in action" and meet staff and postgraduate students
- it provides an excellent opportunity for postgraduate students to improve their communication skills and explain the science in appropriate terms
- it provides teachers with a forum for discussion and networking with other teachers and University staff.
More information can be found on the VCE Biology program page.
Assoc Professor Dawn Gleeson, is a former member of the examination panel of VCE Biology. Coordinator of the first year biology and teach at second and third year in Genetics.
