Biotechnology in the classroom: a peer tutoring experience with secondary school students

Abstract

The article presents a school project implemented in the framework of “Piano Nazionale Lauree Scientifiche”, using a Student Voice approach: a group of high school students facilitated a laboratory focused on biotechnology, playing the role of tutor for their peers. A qualitative research was carried out in order to answer to the following questions: what are the students’ perceptions about the teaching and learning method used, namely the peer tutoring? What are the students’ perceptions about the topic of biotechnology, with specific focus on GMOs and what is the impact of the laboratory experience to guide students’ university future choices? The research aimed at investigating strengths and the critical aspects of this project, in order to improve future editions. Findings showed that the two active learning methods used, i.e. the peer tutoring and laboratory, allowed students to experience leadership and to develop their competences, by managing a complex task with responsibility and autonomy within a teamwork.