Elsa Godtfredsen
Teaching Philosophy & History
I strive to make both my teaching and research as accessible as possible. As a part of that mission, I believe it is vital to consider the diversity of how people learn. Neurodiversity—i.e., diversity in how people process information, function, and present behaviorally—can be overlooked in formulating science education, despite research that shows that neuro-informed pedagogy has been shown to benefit the learning of all students. In the courses I teach, I incorporate my education in neuro-informed pedagogy (CIRTL network), teaching experience, and neurodivergent background to create effective neuro-informed curriculum (including learner centered teaching, flexible assessment, and active learning).
I co-created and co-taught a statistics class, Analytical Toolkit for Ecologists and Evolutionary Biologists, at Northwestern University. This 10-week course focused on demystifying ecologically relevant statistical methods and equipping students with understanding and use of statistical models utilizing the R coding language. This course was taught for two years to 40 graduate students and I served as a certified instructor of record the second year of the course.
I am always interested in discussing pedagogy or further teaching opportunities in the Chicagoland area and beyond.
Outreach &
Science Communication
I believe that adept scientific communication and engagement with a diversity of groups is a vital piece of conducting research. Firstly I offer research talks and hands on activities to a variety of audiences, from zooming into classrooms around the USA through skype a scientist, to teaching about field data collection to youth summer camps at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and serving as a panelist for the Scientists for Migrant Learning & Education in Chicago.
Additionally I have been interviewed about my research in multiple contexts, including Northwestern Alumni Magazine, and Grist Magazine.
I am excited to collaborate for further science engagement, both in the Chicagoland area and beyond.
Vollunteer Coordination
For the last four years I have been coordinating volunteers both at Northwestern University and Chicago Botanic Garden to learn about plant reproductive methods including seed viability testing, accurate seed counting and seed weighing. While the trainings are still ongoing, 25 participants have successfully completed trainings and participated in data collection.
