A Multidimensional Undergraduate Program for Educational Outreach Training in Neurophysiology

• Published in: The FASEB journal 2013-04, Vol.27 (S1)
• Main Authors: Castillo, Jason Thomas, Mantaring, Kristine Jane, Dagstanyan, David, Dumaguindin, Amanda Nicole, Valdez, Matthew Christopher, Jreije, Karim Michael, Kim, Jin Ju, Dominguez, Janei Marie, Bobis, Sheila, Ferreyro, Milotn Giovanni, Giraldo, Andrea Veronica, Zepeda, Nancy Carolina, Hanna, Andrew Isam, Ellis, James Benice, Okusanya, Ayodeji Gregorio, Khan, Minhaz, Curras‐Collazo, Margarita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0892-6638; 1530-6860
• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.lb884

Abstract only Neuroscience undergraduates enrolled in a 10‐week course entitled “Educational Outreach Training in Neuroscience,” that taught them skills necessary for effective outreach pedagogy. First, students learned presentation and leadership skills and read articles relevant to science. Students were then separated into smaller groups and worked at individual stations within a flex classroom that contained multi‐media facilities. Each group chose a topic such as the somatic motor system, reward pathway to develop for a 3–4 hr educational program to be delivered to 2–3 rd , 5–6 th grade and high school students. Each curriculum included interactive components such as hands‐on activities, songs, skits and outdoor games. A larger scale event, Brain Day, planned during Brain Awareness Week, was the highlight of the course. The Brain Day Program included a 20 min lecture, Q & A session, theatrical skit, activity booths, and campus/research lab tours. Neuroscience graduate students assisted in developing and implementing skits. As a result of this course: 1) undergraduates gained a deeper knowledge of neurophysiology, acquired/polished workplace skills, 2) UCR undergraduate and graduate students formed partnerships with local school teachers that continue to yield new collaborations and 3) local high elementary and high school students increased their knowledge of neurophysiology.