Reasons for Caution When Genotyping Students

Genotyping real alleles in real people is an excellent way to connect abstract genetics concepts to human variation in the classroom; however, these activities can inadvertently promote misconceptions of the power of genetics to determine individual and group traits. By analyzing our own and others’ experiences of genotyping activities in the classroom, we illustrate the types of problems encountered and propose solutions. We find that genotyping activities can be an effective learning experience for genetics students when instructors use a nuanced approach to these activities emphasizing the predictive utility of genotyping, avoiding racializing or differentially valuing genotypes, and promoting good communication in the classroom.