|
Table of Contents: Add active learning to large classes Using the Web to teach science Tips for designing a WIM course Tips on leading stimulating discussions Alternatives to large group discussions
|
Meeting as a large group for discussion week after week can get old for students and instructors. Vary your course with a variety of activities to keep student participation and interest high. You will also find that different students shine depending upon the class format. Alternatives:
Concept maps WHAT Concept maps are graphical representations of how ideas relate to each other. They help students organize information and find linkages among ideas. HOW Ask students to identify the important concepts discussed in the course and let them decide how to organize/link the concepts. There are many possible frameworks of a map- try giving students minimum guidance. WHEN Students can make their maps in/outside of class and alone or with a group. Either way, give students tim to exchange their ideas about their maps. Concept map/current journal exercise. Concept Mapping: a learning theory-based instructional tool Debates Games Island Biogeography game - This game was designed by Janie Brooks to help ecology students understand what influences colonization and extinction on islands. Invited speakers Invite either a relevant resident or visiting professor to class to answer questions. Prepare the students for this event by assigning a reading written by the professor. Too often, at large universities, students don't get to ever interact with the professor that teaches the course. Invite the professor to class for an informal discussion on research in their area. Panel presentations Intergovernmental panel on climate change Small groups Exam question exercise. Students in the writing intensive sections usually do not take the courses regularly scheduled exams. To give them an opportunity to see how much they have been learning, tell students to bring notes and textbook to class. Split the exam into "exam packages" that include a variety of types of questions. Have each group of students work on the answers to the questions in their package and then have groups present their answers to the class. Comments, questions or new links? Contact Anne at astork@cisunix.unh.edu |
