BI 309 Teaching Practicum

Experiential Learning in Biology

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a college science course? A teaching practicum gives you the opportunity to work alongside faculty, support student learning, strengthen your communication skills, and gain valuable leadership experience. Whether you're considering a future in education, healthcare, research, or science communication, a teaching practicum is a great way to build professional skills while helping others succeed. Students may also be able to earn BI 309 credit and, in some cases, these opportunities may be paid.

Teaching Practicum objectives

The BI 309 Teaching Practicum is designed to help students develop skills as mentors, communicators, and educators while applying their biology knowledge in a real classroom setting. Through the practicum, students will:

  • Develop and practice interpersonal and professional communication skills.
  • Identify characteristics of effective instruction and learning in a science classroom.
  • Practice and apply biology knowledge and skills in an educational setting.
  • Gain experience supporting faculty and students as part of a teaching team.
  • Explore career pathways that involve teaching, mentoring, training, leadership, or science communication.
  • Strengthen time management, professionalism, and workplace readiness skills.

Prerequisites for BI 309 

Before participating in a teaching practicum, students should:

  • Be a Biology student interested in supporting instruction and student learning.
  • Have successfully completed the course they wish to assist with, typically earning a B or better.
  • Have the time to attend class meetings and fulfill practicum responsibilities throughout the term.

Finding a teaching practicum

Teaching practicum opportunities are often identified through conversations with faculty.

Talk with Your Professors

If you've excelled in a biology course and enjoyed helping classmates learn, reach out to the instructor and ask whether they have teaching practicum opportunities available.

Consider Courses You've Already Taken

Most practicum students assist in courses they have previously completed successfully, allowing them to share their knowledge and experiences with current students.

Explore Available Courses

Teaching practicum opportunities are commonly available in:

  • BI 10x Biology for Non-Majors
  • BI 21x Principles of Biology
  • BI 23x/24x Human Anatomy and Physiology

Additional opportunities may be available in other biology courses by arrangement with the instructor. 

Start Early

The approval process is usually straightforward and can often be completed within about a week, but students should begin conversations with faculty before the term starts to allow time for planning and paperwork.

What to do next?

  1. Meet with your Faculty Mentor: Work with the instructor to discuss expectations, responsibilities, schedules, and whether BI 309 credit is appropriate for your experience.
  2. Complete the BI 309 application form: Fill out the Teaching Practicum Application with your faculty mentor and obtain the required signatures. 
  3. Submit for approval: Submit the completed form to Dr. Pat Ball for review and approval before registering for BI 309. 
  4. Register for BI 309: Once approved, you'll receive authorization to register for the approved number of credits. Each credit represents approximately 30 hours of academic work. Students may earn up to six BI 309 credits with approval.
  5. Balance your committments: Teaching practicums are rewarding but require reliability and strong time management. Consider your course load, work schedule, and other commitments before accepting a practicum position. Successful practicum students consistently communicate with their mentor and fulfill their responsibilities throughout the term.

Teaching Practicum expectations

Teaching practicums are designed to mirror the responsibilities of a teaching assistant while working closely with a faculty mentor.

Attend and Participate

Students are expected to attend all class sessions associated with their practicum assignment and actively participate as a member of the instructional team.

Work Closely with Your Faculty Mentor

Expectations and responsibilities will be established with your faculty mentor at the beginning of the term. Regular communication will help ensure a successful experience.

Typical Responsibilities May Include

  • Attending lectures and exams
  • Participating in recitations, review sessions, or study groups
  • Assisting students during laboratory activities
  • Helping with course administration under faculty supervision
  • Supporting student learning through positive interactions and mentorship

Students are not expected to independently develop course curriculum or create major instructional materials, but rather to support the course as directed by the instructor.

Assignments and Evaluation

Your faculty mentor will evaluate your performance based on participation, professionalism, completion of assigned responsibilities, and submission of the required final reflection assignment. 

The final assignment includes:

  • A description of your teaching practicum experience and role on the teaching team.
  • A reflection on what you learned about biology content or teaching practices and how it influenced your career goals.
  • A one-page reflection on how people learn and how the experience shaped your views on teaching and learning. 

Ready to share your knowledge and help other students succeed? Talk with a biology faculty member about teaching practicum opportunities and take the next step in your leadership journey.