The Use of Stuffed Microbes in an Undergraduate Microbiology Course Increases Engagement and Student Learning

Student engagement, attention, and attendance during a microbiology lecture are crucial for student learning. In addition, it is challenging to cover a large number of infectious diseases during a one-semester introductory microbiology course. The use of visual aids helps students retain the information presented during a lecture. Here, I discuss the use of stuffed, plush microbes as visual aids during an introductory microbiology course. The incorporation of these stuffed microbes during a microbiology lecture results in an increase in engagement, interest, attendance, and retention of material.