ERIC Number: EJ1027907
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1551-2169
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Writing and Critical Thinking in Large Political Science Classes
Franklin, Daniel; Weinberg, Joseph; Reifler, Jason
Journal of Political Science Education, v10 n2 p155-165 2014
In the interest of developing a combination of teaching techniques designed to maximize efficiency "and" quality of instruction, we have experimentally tested three separate and relatively common teaching techniques in three large introductory political science classes at a large urban public university. Our results indicate that the (short-answer) skeleton essay approach in large classes does not provide any significant benefit over full writing assignments or even a lack of writing assignments. Essay and multiple-choice testing techniques produce similar results, though both types of testing have their strengths and weaknesses. We conclude that using a blend of the two testing techniques may be the best approach.
Descriptors: Writing Instruction, Critical Thinking, Political Science, Introductory Courses, Instructional Effectiveness, Urban Universities, Writing Assignments, Essays, Essay Tests, Multiple Choice Tests, Writing Across the Curriculum, Large Group Instruction
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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