The NHGRI Short Course in Genomics: energizing genetics and genomics education in classrooms through direct engagement between educators and scientists

Purpose The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes an urgent need for educator resources on cutting edge scientific topics due to increased public interest in genetics and genomics. We developed a Short Course in Genomics (Short Course) to inspire new teaching materials through collaborative course development sessions and lectures, to expand access to cutting edge scientific information, and to provide a framework to consider when crafting new coursework related to scientific education. Methods We compared publicly available participant data from 2015 to 2019 with data from the National Center for Education Statistics to assess our progress in serving diverse educator and student populations. We also evaluated course agendas and interviewed participants and instructors. Results Middle school, high school, community college, and tribal college course attendees from the last five years were more likely to teach students from diverse communities underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Both attendees and Short Course instructors emphasized the importance of bidirectional learning through interactive curriculum development. Conclusion This course has the potential to facilitate the engagement of educators and students at all levels, recruit and maintain a diverse STEM workforce, and improve genomic literacy and future health decision-making.

Automated summary

The Short Course in Genomics developed by the NHGRI at NIH aims to provide educator resources on cutting edge scientific topics, serving diverse educator and student populations. The course focuses on inspiring new teaching materials, expanding access to scientific information, and promoting bidirectional learning through interactive curriculum development. Attendees from diverse backgrounds have been more likely to teach students from underrepresented communities in STEM fields, indicating the potential for the course to contribute to improving genomic literacy and future health decision-making.