5 Engaging Ways to Teach Human Reproductive Cells to Keep Students Informed

The genetics and cell biology of reproduction are some of the most fundamental topics of any basic biology class. Types of cell division and the formation of gametes are both also integral to advanced studies in human reproduction. More importantly, this topic is relevant for all students, irrespective of their future endeavors.

When a topic of study is this pervasive and crucial, educators must develop engaging ways to teach it. This way, students can retain it for a long time and learn to apply it in their daily life. Here, we list five engaging ways to teach human reproductive cells to keep students informed.

1. Use Interactive Models to Keep Students Engaged

The underlying cellular biology of human reproduction can be a difficult topic to grasp for many students. Some particularly challenging areas are the phases of meiosis, and how we inherit traits from maternal and paternal DNA. Interactive methods of teaching can make difficult topics interesting and easier to learn.

For example, Labster’s human reproductive cells simulation provides an interactive simulated environment where students can learn and even test themselves. In our simulation, the students interactively learn about diploid and haploid cells, and the different phases of mitosis and meiosis. They also get to test their knowledge by independently completing interactive diagrams illustrating mitosis and meiosis.

Discover Labster's Human Reproductive Cells virtual lab today!

2. Make Learning Fun with Games and Activities

To promote engagement with the subject matter and encourage active learning, try to incorporate games and activities in your teaching. Games and activities create a stimulated group environment that is conducive to long-term learning.

To teach your students about human reproductive cells, you can provide a microscope-assisted demonstration of how sperms and ova look. You can also engage them in a competition where they arrange the different phases of meiosis in the correct order. Or you can ask groups of students to collect and share information about various hereditary disorders in which human reproductive cells play an important role.

3. Infuse Technology into Lessons

Modern teaching technologies can help educators accelerate learning among all students. This means that the students have the chance to grasp complex topics in a shorter amount of time. At the same time, quicker learning will leave more time for revision, questions and answers, and other activities.

Labster’s human reproductive cells simulation teaches the differences between the male and female gametes – sperms and ova. The learning environment is a simulated fertility clinic where the students must correctly identify mislabeled sperm and ova samples. And what’s more, our simulation takes just about 13 min to cover all these complex topics.

4. Inspire Students by Discussing Career Opportunities

Discuss with your students the career opportunities that learning about a certain topic can offer them. Such discussions can explain to them the purpose behind what they are learning. This will motivate them to study harder and invest time in learning the skills that can boost their careers.

For example, to inspire your students to learn about human reproductive cells, tell them how geneticists studying hereditary diseases utilize the knowledge of meiosis and inheritance of traits. Inform them how clinicians who perform in vitro fertilization must understand the cell biology of human reproductive cells.

5. Connect Topic to Real-World Applications

To better appreciate the applications of any subject, students must learn about the value it brings to the real world. Educators should pull the students out of the restricted world of textbook knowledge and connect the topic to real-world scenarios.

Here are some real-world applications of studying human reproductive cells that you can discuss with your students:

·   Assisted reproductive technologies, which help millions of couples with infertility issues bear children every year.

·   Toxicity testing on sperms and ova to determine the impact of drugs and toxicants on reproductive health.

·   Development of contraceptive methods, which are essential for family planning and avoidance of pregnancy-related risks.

Final thoughts

The complexities of human reproduction, trait inheritance, and cell division demand unique teaching strategies. The five methods we have discussed here can help you overcome the challenges these complexities pose to educators. These methods can engage your students in the science of human reproductive cells and assist in faster, better learning.