Grand Challenge Problem 12: Assessing Student Learning Through Continuous Collection and Interpretation of Temporal Performance Data

The use of problem-based learning (PBL) within undergraduate chemistry courses is increasing in popularity. Despite several previous reports describing the impacts of PBL in terms of students‟ motivation and interest in chemistry, evaluations of its impact with respect to student learning are virtually absent. Here, an evaluation of PBL case studies in chemistry is made by consideration of assessment performance data over a six year period. The performance data are considered at different stages of the undergraduate courses and are compared against related data from laboratory work and closed-book examinations. These performance data are complemented by student feedback. The analysis reveals that, regardless of level, students find PBL case studies enjoyable and motivating. In contrast, performance in assessed work is found to depend strongly on assessment criteria. Students perform comparably with other modes of assessment when the PBL case study assessment criteria are familiar to them. In contrast, when the assessment criteria demand wider consideration of PBL outcomes, typical of those appropriate for the latter stages of degree courses, lack of familiarity with such criteria appears to result in lower performance in assessments, despite careful counselling from the tutor.

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Collaborative Learning in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Classroom

Perspectives on Issues in Higher Education ◽

10.1044/ihe11.1.9 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 9-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Carolyn S. Potts ◽

Sarah M. Ginsberg

Keyword(s):

Collaborative Learning ◽

Student Retention ◽

Student Learning ◽

Student Learning Outcomes ◽

Retention Rates ◽

Speech Language Pathology ◽

Traditional Lecture ◽

Language Pathology ◽

Improve Student Learning

Abstract In recent years, colleges and universities across the country have been called upon to increase the quality of education provided and to improve student retention rates. In response to this challenge, many faculty are exploring alternatives to the traditional “lecture-centered” approach of higher education in an attempt to increase student learning and satisfaction. Collaborative learning is one method of teaching, which has been demonstrated to improve student learning outcomes.

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Redesigning Introduction to Communication Disorders

Perspectives on Issues in Higher Education ◽

10.1044/ihe13.2.40 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 40-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

John Wm. Folkins

Keyword(s):

Student Learning ◽

Student Evaluation ◽

Good Practice ◽

Communication Disorders ◽

Team Experience ◽

Team Activity ◽

Class Period ◽

Written Assignments ◽

Principles Of Good Practice ◽

Overall Effectiveness

A class of 58 students in Introduction to Communication Disorders was divided into eight teams of approximately seven students each. The teams sat together all semester and participated in at least one team activity (team discussions, in-class written assignments, and team quizzes) in every class period. Teams also were used for taking roll and reviewing for examinations. There was no decline in student evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the course or in examination scores when compared to when this course was taught with half the number of students and no teams. Students evaluated the team experience highly and appeared to enjoy competition among teams. Using teams was successful in creating experiences that foster student learning as embodied in Chickering and Gameson’s principles of good practice.

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