Complementary Teaching Approaches Facilitating Interdisciplinary Soil Science Education

Author(s):  
Sandra Brown ◽  
Guopeng Fu ◽  
Lisa W. White

The complementary nature of different teaching approaches in facilitating student learning are rarely discussed in the literature. This study compared diverse teaching approaches in soil science education to explore how a combination of instructional approaches can support student learning. Student perspectives on lectures, problem-based learning, and experiential learning in three upper-level university soil science courses were assessed through student enrolment data and survey responses. Results emphasize the benefits of integrating theory and practice, and support the integration of concepts from soil physics, chemistry and biology within individual courses. All respondents who took two or more courses, indicated that the distinct teaching approaches, and the integration of soil physics, chemistry and biology within individual courses were beneficial to their learning. Lectures and problem-based learning were seen as pedagogically reciprocal, with theory supporting the application of knowledge for 75% students, while others noted that having the management course first, provided context for learning additional theory. A subset of students (n=9) indicated the relevance of the interdisciplinary nature of the courses for their current employment. Our findings suggest that combining knowledge-based and competency-based approaches may support both student learning and workforce demands, and that diverse teaching approaches can work together to support student learning. The research outcomes call for fellow instructors to diverge from the dichotomy of passive and active learning, and to consider the complementary nature of distinct teaching strategies.

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anielson Barbosa Da Silva ◽  
Ana Carolina Kruta de Araújo Bispo ◽  
Danilo Goncalves Rodriguez ◽  
Francisco Ialyson Felipe Vasquez

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a proposal for structuring the use of problem-based learning (PBL) as an active teaching strategy and assess PBL’s implications for student learning in the undergraduate management degree program of a federal university in Northeastern Brazil. PBL can turn students into active subjects in their own learning and promote the development of decision-making abilities through the identification and analysis of real problems. Design/methodology/approach The study follows the assumptions of qualitative research and uses the action research approach. The data were collected through reflective reports (texts freely written by students describing their experiences in a course) and through interviews. The collected material formed the basis for analysis and discussion of the results using content analysis. Findings The results indicate that the PBL teaching strategy has positive implications for student learning in that it promotes the integration of theory and practice, which enhances the motivation to learn. The students perceived the practical aspect, teamwork and presence of an entrepreneur/manager in the PBL classes as factors facilitating learning. By contrast, teamwork and the time involved were seen as factors limiting learning. Practical implications The use of PBL demonstrates its potential for learning through the integration of students’ cognitive, behavioral and social dimensions, fostering closer integration with the context of professional activity. The presence of entrepreneurs/managers who present real problems to be analyzed by the students in the classroom can contribute significantly to the promotion of learning and reflection by undergraduate management students. Originality/value The results of this study reveals its originality and value to management education in Brazil because it defines a framework for the implementation of PBL as an active learning strategy in a management program, it indicates the potential of PBL for the development of students’ competencies, it increases the potential for integrating theory with professional practice and it can aid the process of training teachers as they assess the implications of PBL for student learning.


2021 ◽  
pp. 237337992098757
Author(s):  
Matthew Fifolt ◽  
Michelle Brown ◽  
Elena Kidd ◽  
Meena Nabavi ◽  
Heather Lee ◽  
...  

Introduction. Experiential learning activities, such as simulations, strengthen student learning by allowing students to apply didactic knowledge to real-world settings. Moreover, simulation-based interprofessional education supports teamwork and skill development as outlined in accreditation standards for many health and health-related academic programs. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of interprofessional simulation in enhancing student knowledge and promoting collaborative practice for disaster management. Method. Multiple data sources were used to assess a simulated EF-5 tornado disaster event including an observational protocol, a disaster simulation survey, and a survey from the Office of Interprofessional Simulation for Innovative Clinical Practice. Results. Students reported increased satisfaction and knowledge with applying skills associated with interprofessional practice, including communication, teamwork, and collaboration. Additionally, students identified skills that could be broadly applied to a range of work settings on graduation such as seeking role clarity, utilizing job action sheets, and responding to a complex situation. Notably, students reported increased levels of knowledge gain of the incident command structure after applying knowledge from didactic sessions to the simulation. Conclusion. Simulation is an innovative strategy for integrating theory and practice to best prepare graduates for the dynamic world in which they live and work. Experiential learning opportunities appeal to the assumptions of adult learning, promote the skills that employers value, and bridge the competencies of multiple academic disciplines that frequently operate in silos. Institutional leaders should view experiential learning as a critical component of student learning and an investment in workforce development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Faieza Chowdhury

 In this current age of highly competitive global environment, teachers are under tremendous pressure to assess student learning in the most effective manner. Two tools that teachers commonly utilize to assess students in their classes are formative and summative assessment. In formative assessment, teachers gather data in order to improve student learning and in summative assessment they use the data to assess students’ learning at the end of a specific course of study. The scores on both types of assessment should meet the minimum standards of both reliability and validity. In this article we highlight the differences between the two forms of assessment, discuss the theories pertaining to summative and formative assessment, identify how educators at tertiary level in Bangladesh commonly utilize the two types of assessment and disclose opinions of teachers regarding whether the current assessment system is appropriate or need any further improvements. Findings from the study indicate that most teachers have an incomplete and unharmonious understanding about assessment often failing to clearly distinguish between formative and summative assessments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-289
Author(s):  
KARLOF TAMPUBOLON

This study aims to increase student learning outcomes on mathematics subjects in the material measuring angles with standard units by applying the Problem Based Learning learning model at SDN 106788 PURWODADI, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency. This type of research is Classroom Action Research. The subjects of this study were students of class IV-B, which amounted to 29 students consisting of 11 male students and 18 female students. This research was conducted in two cycles. Data from the results of this study were obtained from tests of student learning outcomes and observations.Based on the results of the study, it was shown that there was an increase in the learning outcomes of material students measuring angles with simple aircraft standard units by applying the Problem Based Learning learning model. This can be seen from improving student learning outcomes every cycle. In the pre-test of student learning outcomes carried out before the application of learning there were 4 students (32%) completed learning while 17 students (68%) had not yet finished with a grade point average of 50.93. In cycle 1 completeness of student learning outcomes there were 17 students (72%) completed in 8 students (28%) not yet completed with an average value of 70.4. The results of teacher observation amounted to 67.27% with a good category while the observations of students amounted to 64% with sufficient categories. Student learning outcomes have increased to 23 students (92%) completed 2 students (8%) have not been completed while the average value of 86.4. Teacher observation results have increased by 92.72% with very good categories while student observations amounted to 92% with very good categories. By looking at the percentage of learning outcomes and observations it can be concluded that the Application of Problem Based Learning Learning Models can improve student learning outcomes.


2000 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Dean Sconiers ◽  
Jerry Lee Rosiek

In this article, middle school science teacher Zachary Sconiers and university researcher Jerry Rosiek introduce the sonata-form case study, a narrative structure designed to document teachers' understandings of how subject matter and sociocultural influences intersect in the classroom. Written in collaboration with the Fresno Science Education Equity Teacher Research Project, this case study is told from the perspective of Jerome Jameson, a fictional chemistry teacher, whose story is based on Sconiers's actual teaching experiences. Also integrated into the narrative are Sconiers's in-depth reflections on the connections between his commitment to science education and his commitment to promoting educational equity. The sonata-form case study is followed by an afterword, written by Rosiek and Sconiers, that describes this unique methodology for teacher inquiry in full detail. The writing process for the case study was extensive and iterative: the two authors worked closely over the course of a year to develop the narrative, with Rosiek taking the lead on revising and editing. With this case study, Sconiers and Rosiek highlight the critical need for a new form of educational research, one that "builds bridges between the discourses of educational excellence and educational equity, as well as between theory and practice."


Author(s):  
Nicholas Massa ◽  
Michele Dischino ◽  
Judith Donnelly ◽  
Fenna Hanes

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
TIURLINA SIREGAR

This study aims to determine the feasibility of a literacy culture-based chemistry module on the Elements Periodic System (SPU) material and to determine the increase in student learning outcomes. Research Methods Research and Development. The sample of the research was 12 students of the Master of Science Education Study Program, FKIP UNCEN. The results showed that the chemistry module was suitable for use as teaching material and the improvement of student learning outcomes with the n-Gain test was obtained an average of 0.81 in the high category


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