Resumen de Designing nano-biotechnology summer camp with experiential learning theory
Tzy-Ling Chen, Horn-Jiunn Sheen, Hsiu-Ping Yueh, Feng-Kuang Chiang, Po-Wei Chang
In recent years, nanotechnology research has become a popular topic of interest, and the development of nanotechnology talent is alsoconsidered highly important worldwide. The Taiwan government has developed related policies and initiatives that support advancedand innovative nanotechnology research and budgets on human resource development in this field. It is our belief that the earlierstudents develop their awareness and interests in nanotechnology, the higher the possibility that they will become accomplishedengineers in this field. Connected to this scenario, a nano-biotechnology summer camp was initiated in 2009 to take advantage ofDavid Kolb’s experiential learning theory. The curriculum integrates conceptual knowledge into practical activities for a completelearning experience. Fifty-two senior high school students attended this camp, and each student completed a questionnaire surveyaiming to explore students’ responses to this learning experience. Results of the present study revealed that the students were satisfiedwith the teaching and learning in the camp. They were also largely in favor of both ‘hands-on experiments and laboratory experiences’and believed that more learning and better experiences occurred through these two course activities. This paper further discusses someimportant issues observed and suggests guidelines for future research and practice in nano-technology training.
