My experiences in teaching molecular biology through active learning in China

Abstract

I periodically teach molecular biology at the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (NJUCM). I will share with you my experiences which might be of interest as many Australian universities have links or articulation pathways with Chinese universities. As I recall, my first teaching visit to China’s NJUCM, back in 2013, was a real eye-opener. Three major observations stuck in my mind: first, the limited technology available for teaching, I only had access to a computer for Powerpoint slides and a blackboard; second, lecturing by academics was reading from the textbook while students followed; and third, students freaking out when I sat down with them in problem-based learning sessions.