ERIC Number: EJ1038732
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Sep
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1931-7913
EISSN: N/A
Identifying Key Features of Effective Active Learning: The Effects of Writing and Peer Discussion
Linton, Debra L.; Pangle, Wiline M.; Wyatt, Kevin H.; Powell, Karli N.; Sherwood, Rachel E.
CBE - Life Sciences Education, v13 n3 p469-477 Sep 2014
We investigated some of the key features of effective active learning by comparing the outcomes of three different methods of implementing active-learning exercises in a majors introductory biology course. Students completed activities in one of three treatments: discussion, writing, and discussion + writing. Treatments were rotated weekly between three sections taught by three different instructors in a full factorial design. The data set was analyzed by generalized linear mixed-effect models with three independent variables: student aptitude, treatment, and instructor, and three dependent (assessment) variables: change in score on pre- and postactivity clicker questions, and coding scores on in-class writing and exam essays. All independent variables had significant effects on student performance for at least one of the dependent variables. Students with higher aptitude scored higher on all assessments. Student scores were higher on exam essay questions when the activity was implemented with a writing component compared with peer discussion only. There was a significant effect of instructor, with instructors showing different degrees of effectiveness with active-learning techniques. We suggest that individual writing should be implemented as part of active learning whenever possible and that instructors may need training and practice to become effective with active learning.
Descriptors: Active Learning, Introductory Courses, Biology, Majors (Students), Learning Activities, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Writing (Composition), Teaching Methods, Intermode Differences, Predictor Variables, Lecture Method, Pretests Posttests, Scores, Multiple Choice Tests, Achievement Gains, Audience Response Systems, Questioning Techniques, Teacher Effectiveness, Instructional Effectiveness, Aptitude Treatment Interaction, College Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A