The Student Participation Observation Tool (SPOT) is a web-based classroom observation protocol developed for higher education STEM courses and based on research on evidence-based practices. The low-inference and objective nature of the SPOT and visual outputs make it an optimal tool for teaching professional development. The SPOT allows novice…

In response to STEM education reform efforts, many instructors have incorporated active learning into their courses. However, the relationship between instructor justification to students about the use of active learning and student perception of why instructors use active learning is largely unknown. To investigate instructor active learning…

As educators, we recognize the importance of strong student learning objectives. We also know that students benefit by being well informed of expectations. Existing literature offers little guidance in methods and teaching strategies to apply in exposing students to their learning objectives. In this article, we discuss the use of specific…

Engaging students, checking for understanding, and encouraging oral participation are ongoing pedagogical challenges in large lecture courses. In this study, the instructor used notecard-facilitated cold-calling as a means of encouraging attendance and participation in a large-lecture biology class.

This article discusses the challenges of keeping international students involved in class activities.

Broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers requires that underrepresented students, including women and minorities, persist in their studies and complete undergraduate and graduate degrees. Studies have shown that engaging students in undergraduate research and improving students' science…

This article describes the conversion of a lecture-based molecular biology course into an active learning environment in a studio classroom. Specific assignments and activities are provided as examples. The goal of these activities is to involve students in collaborative learning, teach them how to participate in the learning process, and give…

Web-based collaborative annotation tools can facilitate communication among students and their instructors through online reading and communication. Collaborative reading fosters peer interaction and is an innovative way to facilitate discussion and participation in larger enrollment courses. It can be especially powerful as it creates an…

When learning about large-scale environmental problems such as climate change, species extinctions, overpopulation, and habitat destruction, students can become hopelessly dismayed and experience ecophobia--a state of mind in which the student is fearful of the looming environmental problems but senses that there is nothing that can be done to…

In his article, Dale had constructed a tiered triangle to rank students' ability to recall information that had been taught six weeks earlier (Dale 1969). Dale had found that only 5% of the knowledge gained through lecture was remembered by students several weeks after it was heard. Dale's original tool for ranking student learning has evolved…

To understand more about faculty perceptions of the instructional benefits of and barriers to using case studies, the authors surveyed 101 science faculty at universities and colleges in the United States and Canada. The results provided evidence that, overall, faculty think cases have a positive impact on student learning, critical thinking, and…

Describes a format for teaching a large introductory biology course that encourages student preparation prior to class and utilizes problem solving instead of lecturing. (Author/MM)

Describes use of the Participative Learning System (PLS) in college teaching. The PLS, a highly simplified modification of Hill's discussion technique, significantly enhances learning, as students spend considerable time using and developing synthetical and evaluative skills. PLS is adaptable and can be effective with or without participation of…

Increased student involvement using a feedback lecture format demonstrated that lectures can be more active and assignments can be tailor-made for students. Guided learning activities (managed by a feedback lecture study guide) are used prior to, during, and after lectures. (Author/JN)

Describes an inexpensive, homemade student response system that sparks student attention and participation in large lecture halls. Highlights the goals and design of the system as well as its current status and future plans. Contains 15 references. (JRH)