Applying appropriates methods for teaching cell biology

AbstractCell biology is an important basic subject of modern life sciences, consisting of fundamental life activities of the cell at the microscopic, sub microscopic and molecular levels. The cell is the basic unit of living things, with all of the activities of life taking place in the cell and with is eases also due to abnormal changes of cells.With the current framework of teaching quality reform in higher education, this paper will review the current curriculum of a cell biology course and the ways in which it has been taught in the “Goce Delcev” University, Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, Biology studies, Stip, R. Macedonia. Reasons for introducing new teaching methodologies to improve student-centred learning and self-directed learning will be discussed and three possible approaches which are considered more suitable for the large classes of first year students in cell biology will be considered: case study, team work and concept. The proposal will also make a case for the urgent development of an online student-centred learning environment, including possible activities that would be included in the course. A combination of multiple teaching approaches is necessary for changing students learning from surface learning to deep learning, passive learning to active learning, over-dependent learning to independent learning, and developing students in the ‘generic skills’ of a scientist and the skills for ‘lifelong’ learning including problem solving skills, communication skills, and cooperative skill