A new approach to introductory accounting at the University of Southern California teaches students to view issues from varied perspectives, broadens exposure to unstructured problems with more than one solution approach, and places accounting in real-world context. It has increased enrollment and persistence and attracted new students to the…

The purpose of assigning writing that will not be formally graded is to assist students in learning subject matter and to create a classroom context that encourages active learning and interactive teaching. Offers three examples of college-level writing-to-learn assignments used in various disciplines, and some ways teachers can respond to such…

The role of metacognition in fostering or inhibiting success in introductory quantitative college courses is examined. One teacher's efforts to build student confidence in an elementary statistics course for psychology are described, and student resistance to active learning methods is discussed. (MSE)

Seven characteristics of active learning were identified (experiential learning, collaboration, discovery, use of authentic problems, planning before doing, risk-taking, integrative learning), and then used to reconceptualize an introductory statistics course. The model involves students as apprentices to faculty active learners. (MSE)

Argues that developing writing activities, consulting with students as they work on a major writing project, and responding are important vehicles for teaching that fosters engaged learning. Central principles are to make assignments inquiry- or issue-based, to keep them focused but open enough for students to develop their own angle or interest,…

In its use of complex, real-world problems to introduce concepts and motivate learning in an active and cooperative learning environment, problem-based learning is a powerful alternative to the passive lecture in introductory college science. Use of technology and multimedia instruction, focus on large classes, and use of interdisciplinary…