I have taught Introductory Entomology (PSS 2401 - a core elective course) for two semesters and have implemented the following changes to improve student learning:
For laboratory sections, A Leica M60 stereomicroscope is being used to train students in morphology and taxonomy. The microscope is attached (via HDMI cable) to a 1080 LED High Resolution 50” TV. This equipment has facilitated a more detailed and easier approach for showing specimens and morphological features. Plans are to photo-document and archive specimens for using in lectures and laboratory handouts, and ultimately to create a laboratory manual for Introductory Entomology, PSS 2401.
Insect videos are numerous across the internet. For many lectures I include these videos and conduct discussions on research and other applications. The videos are very informative and provide students a different format for learning; Assessments involve asking students to recall information from the videos. The videos will also complement lecture materials for students at a distance.
Addition of “conservation” content. Texas is home to an extremely diverse insect fauna. I have developed lectures on conservation that highlight some of these unique species and the state and federal programs responsible for species monitoring. Further, I have linked this lecture to my current project involving endemic insects at the Monahans Sandhills State Park. In so doing, I update students after the most recent trips to the park, what we found, interesting photos, setup of trapping equipment, etc. I plan to further develop conservation lectures involving the assessment and conservation of insect biodiversity in agroecosystems.
A long-term biodiversity of playa lakes study is being developed that will involve sampling select playa lakes every semester by student groups. Laboratory instruction and assessment will involve calculations of alpha and beta diversity across these playa lakes, and analyses of landscape factors shaping insect richness and community structure.
Scott Longing