Numerous studies have examined the use of active learning methods in undergraduate courses, suggesting that these methods increase learning and retention as well as student engagement. In order to investigate the benefits of particular active learning assignments involving presentations of 3-dimensional simulations in an introductory biology…

This case study focuses on creativity and collaboration in preparing Chinese preservice teachers. The research question was "Can aspiring Chinese teachers discover creativity where encouraged and under conducive conditions?" The purpose was to find out whether, with explicit instructions to be creative, candidates could demonstrate…

Manipulative environments play a fundamental role in inquiry-based science learning, yet how they impact learning is not fully understood. In a series of two studies, we develop the argument that manipulative environments (MEs) influence the kind of inquiry behaviors students engage in, and that this influence realizes through the affordances of…

A project-based course is where students engage in a series of projects, which help lead students to a defined level of skill as specified in the course goals. Unlike a traditional lecture course where students are given examinations to assess the level of student knowledge and understanding, a project-based course may not include any formal…

In the context of 21st century learning, lecturers encounter complex challenges in optimizing learning processes and outcomes. The previous research reports that teaching method is considered as the right solution to overcome that problem. This quasi-experimental research aims to: (1) explore the difference between Critical Thinking Skills (CTS)…

Undergraduate physics programs are increasingly facing pressure from university and college administration, industry, and funding agencies to improve training of our undergraduates. Increasingly, tertiary institutions have redefined their graduate profiles and mission statements to encompass more than just content knowledge, including skills that…

Educational approaches that enable students to actively and directly participate in "real-world" projects are increasingly recognized as valuable pedagogical tools and, as such, being incorporated into university curriculums worldwide. Though not traditionally associated with political science courses, project-based international service…

3D printing technology is a powerful educational tool that can promote integrative STEM education by connecting engineering, technology, and applications of science concepts. Yet, research on the integration of 3D printing technology in formal educational contexts is extremely limited. This study engaged preservice elementary teachers (N = 42) in…

This article investigates a yearlong professional development experience provided to two cohorts within a doctoral program for early career school leaders. Drawing from situated learning theory, we examined one aspect of this program's pedagogy, which centers on the use of field-based application-oriented projects that leaders must take up in…

Flipped classrooms are gaining popularity, especially in psychology statistics courses. However, not all courses lend themselves to a fully flipped design, and some instructors might not want to commit to flipping every class. We tested the effectiveness of flipping just one component (a module on junk science) of a large methods course. We…

Experiential Learning (EL) is the process of learning through experiences (practice/ experiment/discovery and so on) to develop new skills, attitudes and thinking. EL provides technical students with opportunities to learn actively, relate well to others, emerge theoretical knowledge into practical context to develop their comprehensive…

Previous to this study, teaching and learning practices in the first-grade classroom of study were primarily teacher and content driven and did not reflect the student-driven inquiry process. The identified problem of practice for this action research study was the first-grade students in the teacher-researcher classroom did not demonstrate…

The purpose of this study explored alternative teaching methods to improve student outcomes in the classroom. The researcher investigated the effects of the active learning strategies, Process Oriented Guided Inquiry learning and Peer Instruction on student achievement, conceptual understanding, and students' self-efficacy in an honors biology…

Engineering education plays a prominent role in the development of technologies, society, nation, production, economy and employment. It is the art of applying scientific and mathematical principles, and experience to produce a technical product or system to meet out a specific need in the society. Based on the literature, it was thought that…

An elementary-level content area reading course was redesigned using a project-based learning (PBL) model to improve undergraduate pre-service teacher course content instruction. The research question was, "What are college/ university students' perceptions of a project-oriented undergraduate course?" Six university pre-service teachers,…