ERIC Number: EJ1092164
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1935-7869
EISSN: N/A
Re-Vitalizing the First Year Class through Student Engagement and Discovery Learning
Steuter, Erin; Doyle, Judith
Journal of Effective Teaching, v10 n1 p66-78 2010
The first year course in Sociology at Mount Allison University introduced students to social issues via dynamic class interactions and assignments that are designed to build conceptual and applied skills. Developments to the course organization have maximized the opportunities for discovery learning and have made the class an enjoyable teaching experience. This article will outline the core innovations that have been developed: 1.) A workbook, similar in style to a hands-on science lab manual, has been developed to engage students in active in-class discovery learning projects. 2.) Client-based interactive class activities are used to help students engage in the solving of contemporary social problems in a manner that reveals the contemporary relevance and application of knowledge regarding social problems. 3.) Research assignments are provided through an internship at the simulated ESPRIT (Evaluating Social Policy Research Investigation Team) think tank which provides students with the opportunity to develop research and analysis skills that are relevant to careers in the field of social analysis. 4.) The course includes the analysis of a contemporary best-selling book that addresses a relevant social problem so that students have the opportunity to participate in current debates about issues of social importance.
Descriptors: College Freshmen, Introductory Courses, Sociology, Foreign Countries, Social Problems, Educational Innovation, Discovery Learning, Learner Engagement, Workbooks, Class Activities, Student Research, Assignments, Simulated Environment, Research Skills, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Skill Development, Learning Laboratories, Teaching Methods, Student Surveys, Interviews
Journal of Effective Teaching. Center for Teaching Excellence, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403. Tel: 910-962-3034; Fax: 910-962-3427; e-mail: jet@uncw.edu; Web site: http://www.uncw.edu/cte/et
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A