Bridging theory with real world research experience: Co-teaching Engineering Biotechnology with R&D professionals

Abstract

This study examined the usefulness of co-teaching with research and development (R&D) professionals to integrate real world research experience into an Engineering Biotechnology course. This research suggests that the need to expose students to post-graduate engineering careers and to prepare them to enter real world engineering is crucial. Two sessions were team-taught by the course lecturer in collaboration with two R&D professionals from local industries. The course lecturer covered the theoretical parts, whereas practicing R&D engineers exposed students to current R&D works. Quantitative and qualitative data on the usefulness of the co-teaching sessions were collected from students and R&D professionals’ surveys, a student interview and peer observation feedback. It was found that bringing R&D professionals into the Engineering Biotechnology class positively impacted on students’ learning. A comparison was also made between the two co-teaching sessions. The evidence showed that managing the lecture and deliverables, and dividing the tasks along the lines of expertise is the key to providing a successful co-teaching session.