Dr. Avery Russell, Assistant Professor of Biology received an Assessment Grant for his project, Toward Enhanced Teaching of Evolution: Supervised Peer-Mentoring by Graduate Students.

This project will allow graduate students taking BIO 515/616 (Evolution) to become peer mentors. Prior to each weekly Recitation, peer mentors will learn the material with the opportunity to ask the instructor questions. During Recitation, the peer mentors will assist the instructor in guiding the undergraduate students through the Recitation materials. Studies show that those who have just learned are better at conveying knowledge to others versus someone who has previously learned the material. Because the peer mentors are closer to the learning process, they will be more effective at conveying this information to their undergraduate peers. By increasing the number of ‘instructors’ in the room, all students will have more one-on-one time with a knowledgable teacher. By participating in the peer mentoring process, graduate students will also become more effective teachers.

The Office of Assessment would like to commend Dr. Russell on his dedication to improving student learning.