Instructor’s Name

Louise Hall

Course No., Name, and Call#

English 120: Composition II, #19232

Semester Taught

Fall 2002

No. of Students

19

Type of Active Learning (AL): Cases/CL/ PBL/etc.

Problem-based Learning, including Collaborative Learning

Frequency of AL: Used in how many percentage of your class.

Full semester

Brief Description of AL methods? How did you use them? Your reflection on how effective the methods were in enhancing student learning?

The full semester was devoted to researching college student attrition, in general, and at NDSU, in particular. The students worked in small groups to research specific causes of attrition, and, then, together, formulated recommendations to improve the problem. Finally, the class findings and recommendations were compiled together.

At this time, I am basing my evaluation of success on: 1) student feedback (not yet including "Survey of Student Engagement" and "Final Assessment (of use of PBL in this course)" results (form follows this report) and 2) my impressions throughout the semester. A more detailed report of my findings, including results of the two surveys, will arrive separately.

Overall, I found the format of the course and methods used most effective, as the students were researching and solving a problem of relevance and interest to themselves, personally, as college students. (Note: both quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting assessment and feedback were used.) Although researching the same topic throughout the semester became repetitive for some, others could appreciate the depth of knowledge they could reach. With their conclusions, many commented they could make a real difference in the university.

Additionally, students became gradually accustomed to working closely with their small group members. Varying success was found, mostly positive, with some expressing lasting friendships being formed. Difficulties occurred for two reasons: 1) students not consistently attending class and group meetings and 2) one group being too large (six members).

In conclusion, the students experienced professional type research and problem-solving. Just as importantly, they experienced, for themselves, one of their recommendations: closer peer ties.

Please rate

Considering the types of active learning methods (cooperative learning, problem-based learning, etc.) and how often they were used in your class, please rate the overall usage of AL method(s) in your current class as (please bold one): 1) Never, 2) Occasionally, 3) Often, and 4) Very often

If applicable, rate the overall usage of AL method(s) in your class taught in the previous semesters as (please bold one): 1) Never, 2) Occasionally, 3) Often, and 4) Very often

Class Score on the Survey of Student Engagement

Not yet available.

Course URL (if any):

N/A

Other Comments

A more complete compilation of course materials and report will arrive before break.

Elizabeth Birmingham
Assistant Professor, Department of English
320J Minard Hall
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota 58105

Office: (701) 231-6587
e-mail: Elizabeth.Birmingham@ndsu.nodak.edu

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling: 1-800-488-NDSU.