Reflection 2 : The development of a learning activity for effective teaching and learning

The problems I highlighted in my previous reflection were specifically related to my Introduction to Industrial Psychology module. The department’s has decided to phase out this module and will replace it with a specialized module specifically directed at Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management students. I have therefore decided to shift my focus to my Career Psychology module which I will present in the second semester. Even though these two modules have different foci they both draw from the same student population and therefore present with very similar challenges. Today I would like to highlight these issues and begin reflecting on the affordances of the tools I have selected.

The Career psychology module is an elective with approximately 300 registered students. This group is made up of both English and Afrikaans students which are generally evenly grouped. The group is further divided into two groups who attend lectures at different times. I would thus have approximately 70 to 80 students per class, which is much less than I had this semester. From previous experience with this group the challenges presented include:

·         A lack of interest in the subject and in-class activities

·         An inability to answer practical case study questions in the correct essay format

·         Minimal class attendance

I personally feel that my role as a lecturer is to foster an environment that motivates and encourages students to actively engage with the subject matter and also take responsibility for their learning. I have also realised that in trying to overcome the above mentioned challenges merely implementing a new technology will not be sufficient, I also need to change the approach I take to teaching and learning in my lectures.

The tool I have decided to implement is the web-enabled cellular response system with the support of features on the learning management system as well as the peer instruction method. The web-enabled cellular response system is similar to the popular clicker method and is a feasible and accessible alternative in this context.  In a survey conducted within the Science faculty at Stellenbosch University it was found that more than 80% of the students had a web-enabled cell phone. In order to ensure that this approach will work in my class I will conduct a similar survey and if necessary switch to multi-coloured flashcards instead. In order to make the most of this approach I have also started looking into the development and use of ConcepTests or Questions which is a method used with great success by Harvard Physics professor, Eric Mazur. I am hopeful that this dual-approach will yield positive outcomes for me and my students.

The affordances of Clicker and related methods include;

·         Rapid and immediate feedback of student responses

·         Conducting informal formative assessments on a regular basis, thereby being able to address problem areas immediately

·         Fostering participation and inclusion of all members of the class, and

·         Monitoring attendance.

My primary motivation for selecting this method is the active engagement with the learning material that is required from the student. In combination with Concept Questions my students will be provided with the opportunity to play an active role in their learning. By encouraging active engagement with the material through answering and discussing the questions presented, and receiving immediate feedback on their responses my they will hopefully start to understand the work,retain it more effectively, learn how to apply it practically, prepare for tests and exams, and most importantly have FUN doing so. This tool also provides me with a means of incentivising and monitoring class attendance.

Even though this approach does require a considerable amount of preparation and planning I am confident in the utility of this tool and very excited to start implementing it.

Wish me luck!

 P.S. If you're interested in what Prof Eric Mazur has done take a look at this.....

http://youtu.be/wont2v_LZ1E