ERIC Number: EJ1173164
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Mar
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-231X
EISSN: N/A
Course-Based Support for Peer-Led Study Group Facilitators in a Large Instructional Team
Barnard, Rachel A.; Boothe, Jordan R.; Salvatore, Joe; Emerson, Kelley; Boone, Allison; Sandler, Claire; Coppola, Brian P.
Journal of College Science Teaching, v47 n4 p21-29 Mar 2018
An institutionalized program of peer-led study groups (PLSG) adds instructional power to our large-enrollment introductory organic chemistry courses. Concomitantly, there is a challenge to keep the instructional philosophy and subject matter coherent with the faculty expectations and goals across this diverse group of undergraduate instructors. Thus, to improve communication within the instructional workforce of our large organic chemistry course, we have installed a required course for all undergraduate PLSG facilitators and peer tutors hired by the Science Learning Center at the University of Michigan. This liaison course, taught by a graduate student instructor under the direction of the faculty course coordinator, focuses on enhancing subject matter clarity and stemming the flow of misinformation that has sometimes been reported in the PLSG sessions. We examined the perceived value of the liaison course, self-assessment of course content knowledge by the facilitators, and how enrollment in the course has shaped the experience of those leading a PLSG.
Descriptors: Peer Teaching, College Science, Organic Chemistry, Science Instruction, Introductory Courses, College Faculty, Undergraduate Students, Large Group Instruction, Enrollment, Facilitators (Individuals), Qualitative Research, Surveys
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Michigan (Ann Arbor)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A