top of page

Katelyn J. Butler, PhD

AU Headshot.jpg

WISCI TEACHING FELLOW

JANUARY 2017-DECEMBER 2017

As a WISCI teaching fellow, I underwent extensive training for undergraduate biology education. During a semester-long course we discussed methods and issues imperative to improving biology education in the college classroom. This included diversity, active learning, formative assessments, the five biology core concepts, curriculum development and more. The fellowship culminates in developing and teaching a first-year seminar course for biology majors, listed below.

INTEGSCI375: SECRETS OF SCIENCE

FALL 2017 
2 CREDITS
2X PER WEEK; 75 MINUTES
20 STUDENTS

First year course for biology majors focused on understanding scientific processing, reading popular press and primary scientific literature, and developing scientific communication. Using the CREATE method, we aim to introduce students to the AAAS five core concepts of biology while developing students' scientific thinking and processing skills.  The primary method of teaching is active learning relying on group work and applied assessments. Developed class materials with partner WISCI teaching fellow.
.

PLPATH123: PLANTS, PARASITES, AND PEOPLE

FALL 2016
2 LABORATORY SECTIONS
1X PER WEEK; 75 MINUTES
18-20 STUDENTS PER SECTION

As a teaching assistant for this non-majors biology course, I independently taught two laboratory sections of inquiry-based experimentation. This included guiding students through designing independent experiments with a "pet microbe" and teaching students material not covered in class. I also provided students extensive feedback on their written lab reports, experimental design, and in class exercises. Furthermore, I guest lectured to the entire 140 student class on plant disease management. I received positive evaluations from professors and students.

Curated Teaching Materials

We produced both a traditional and infographic syllabus for Secrets of Science. The infographic syllabus was the homepage on our course Canvas page so students could be easily reminded of learning goals, important dates and class policies.

These are examples of work I give to students to complete before coming to class. These assignments prepare students for class sessions. The goals of these assignments are to review old material and /or introduce students to new concepts.

These are materials used during class as instructional tools. This includes lessons plans of my interactive class sessions as well as some materials used to introduce essential topics. My classes do not include extensive lecture.

Student Evaluations

“Katelyn is really passionate about the class and does everything she can to share that with the students"

PP123 STUDENT

“She encourages in depth thinking of scientific topics with guidance, contagious enthusiasm/organization. ”

PP123 STUDENT

"She is very enthusiastic and encourages the best in her students. Very well organized and gives us all resources we need to be successful"

PP123 STUDENT

Good morning, beans!

Get in Touch

(815) 354-5643

  • twitter
  • linkedin
bottom of page