Organismal biology (OrgBio) comprises the diversity, structures, and functions of all organisms from bacteria to humans. Arguably, OrgBio is often the most poorly taught and least conceptually rigorous section of the introductory biology sequence offered at most U.S. institutions of higher education. This article reports on the successful…

New trends such as globalization, knowledge economy, and information technology revolution have become essential factors affecting the development of universities in the new era. These trends have had a profound impact on the survival and growth of universities. First, universities need to shoulder the knowledge creation work in many fields…

Research indicates that active learning and Active Learning Spaces (ALSs) may improve student learning. Four teachers in mathematics and statistics at a Norwegian university are examined as they transition to ALSs. The teachers' experiences were analyzed using grounded theory which resulted in the three categories presenting what the teachers…

This study collects perceptions from educators about how pedagogical practices could be transformed for a learner-centered concentration in active learning spaces to support student engagement. Seven participants provide data through a focus group, interviews, and observations. Four main themes are identified: (1) Collaboration and Engagement, (2)…

The Bologna Process represents the most significant extensive reform of higher education in Europe. The particular aspects of the Bologna Process still incite critical evaluations as regards the successfulness of its implementation. The theoretical part of the paper analyzes the fundamental principles defined in the Bologna Declaration,…

In this article, we present a revised version of the active learning classroom observation tool (ALCOT), designed in 2015, to support instructor reflection on instructional approaches applied within active learning classrooms. The design of active learning classrooms and teaching approaches within them have changed significantly since the initial…

Contribution: This article shows that peer instruction can be applied synchronously and effectively to a distance learning course, using the learning platform Moodle together with a videoconferencing tool. Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all global education has been shifted from face-to-face to distance learning. While the debate on the…

The team at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, has spent over a decade laying the groundwork for multifaceted reforms--including interdisciplinary curriculum, project-based learning, education outside of the classroom walls, and meaningful career exploration--all of which are student-centered and aim to deepen rigorous academics into…

In the spring of 2020, brick and mortar colleges had to abruptly adapt to the reality of COVID-19 and transition to entirely online environments in a manner of weeks. This required a rapid (< 2 weeks) acquisition of knowledge and flexibility in using technology, most commonly Zoom. Upon completion of the semester, and after debriefing with…

Five years have now passed since the last government review of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in Northern Ireland (Perry and Irwin, 2015). This small-scale qualitative study set out to analyse the progress made and challenges faced within STEM education in Northern Ireland, and to draw out implications for…

The flipped classroom model has gained significant attention as an innovative pedagogical approach to teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This method promotes active learning, student engagement, and improved language proficiency by shifting content delivery to pre-class activities and dedicating class time to interactive and…

Information systems courses must adapt to meet the unprecedented demand for well-trained information security (InfoSec) professionals, but they cannot competently fill this gap without also ensuring that students are fluent and confident in foundational skills, both technical and behavioral. How to teach behavioral topics in InfoSec management is…

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss how educators can teach sustainability-oriented capabilities (SOCs) using an active learning approach. Design/methodology/approach: Using a case study methodology centered on a Brazilian business school, this research combines qualitative analysis of content, such as teacher notes and student work, with…

Engaging students in processes of mathematizing and active knowledge organization (instead of telling and rehearsing ready-made mathematics) is a key demand for high quality mathematics instruction. Although many mathematically rich context problems have been designed and published in textbooks, their impact on regular mathematics classrooms…

The literature highlights differing views on the efficacy of modelling lessons for teacher professional learning. In this study we draw on dissonance theory to discuss lesson modelling that seeks to transcend 'do as I do' imitation and provoke teachers' attention to intended teaching practices: a necessary pre-cursor for changes to practice. A…