Creative Strategies to Increase Student Learning & Engagement

Kathleen Young, Instructor, Dept. of Management

Presentation

9:30-10:00 am, Library Conference Room (Library 120)

This session highlights seven active learning strategies and two assessment vehicles. The seven active learning strategies are:

• One-minute paper
• Simulation
• Games to teach theory
• Ping pong balls to teach theory
• Team-based learning discussion groups
• Ring the bell reviews
• Student-led presentations.

As an adjunct instructor of economics, I am often at the front of the classroom looking at students that have worked a full day on the job, have kids waiting for them at home, and are not that excited to learn about economics. These students also have differing experiences in educational background and achievements. Many (not all) arrive in the classroom with a “sit and get” mentality. To bridge these gaps, I utilize a series of active learning strategies in the classroom to create an engaging, fun environment that fosters outstanding discussion, higher-level thinking, and retention of content. My goal is to make each student a fully engaged learner.

Does this approach work? I utilize two assessment vehicles that allow me to gauge effectiveness and adjust the course activities if necessary. The vehicles are a yellow card activity and a mid-course survey. The mid-course survey usually results in an overall 90% response rate. Students often say: “I learned so much in this course and enjoyed it!”

Please RSVP here for this session.

This event is part of Webster's Teaching Festival. For a full lineup of Teaching Festival events, please visit the Teaching Festival website.