ERIC Number: EJ1231895
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2051-3615
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Utilising Graduate Teaching Assistants to Implement Active Learning at University Level
Barnes, Stephen M.; Harrison, Charles K.; Koramoah, Rachel; Ivanova, Iveta T.; Read, David
New Directions in the Teaching of Physical Sciences, v12 n1 2017
Active learning is recognised as a crucial component of university courses in enhancing performance and retention. However, universities face numerous challenges in broadening the provision of active learning, including time constraints, and a lack of staff training and confidence to develop appropriate activities. This article outlines an approach taken at the University of Southampton to engage a team of graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in the process of developing, delivering, and evaluating active learning resources to support small-group teaching in chemistry on a Science Foundation Year programme. A team of four GTAs developed nine activities during the 2015/16 academic year, with evaluation supporting their enhancement for 2016/17. The article outlines the progress of this work over two academic years, providing evidence of a positive impact on students and teachers alike.
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Teaching Assistants, Active Learning, Barriers, Universities, Educational Resources, Small Group Instruction, Science Instruction, Chemistry, Science Programs, Learning Activities, Foreign Countries, Teaching Methods, Program Descriptions, Student Attitudes, Course Evaluation, Introductory Courses, Undergraduate Students
University of Leicester Open Journals. University of Leicester Library, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK. Tel: +44-116-252-2043; e-mail: openaccess@le.ac.uk; Web site: https://journals.le.ac.uk/ojs1/index.php/new-directions
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A