Why bother to read it?
Why read a novel, biography, essay, or other non-text work related to human biology?
After all, we don't have much time left over after all the other responsibilities of progressive, dedicated teaching!
Here are some reasons such an investment can pay off:
- Expands my perspective in one or more concepts that carries over to my teaching
- Gives me something to recommend to students who are interested in going deeper with a particular topic outside of class
- Gives me factoids and anecdotes that I can use to increase student interest in human science
- Examples of current theories or disputes in science, giving a flavor of how science works
- Mentioning alternate hypotheses to contrast with mainstream concepts presented in class
- Personalizes famous scientists
- Examples of current theories or disputes in science, giving a flavor of how science works
- Provides possible additional resources or learning activities for my class
- Book reports
- Directed reading projects
- Seminars
- Extra credit (flex credit)
- Book reports
- Expands my historical and conceptual framework to help me better understand the big picture of human biology
- Makes me a generally better informed person
- I'm a better citizen if I'm a more informed citizen
- I grow as a person
- I participate in lifelong learning and personal growth
- I'm a better citizen if I'm a more informed citizen
