Classtalk: A Classroom Communication System for Active Learning

This pdf file is an article describing the advantages of using Classtalk technology in the classroom to enhance classroom communication. Classtalk technology cab facilitate the presentation of questions for small group work, collec the student answers and then display histograms showing how the class answered. This new communication technology can help instructors create a more interactive, student centered classroom, especially when teaching large courses. The article describes Classtalk as a very useful tool not only for engaging students in active learning, but also for enhancing the overall communication within the classroom. This article is a selection from the electronic Journal for Computing in Higher Education. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

Developing Analytical and Communication Skills in a Mock-Trial Course Based on the Famous Woburn, Massachusetts Case

This Journal of Geoscience Education article discusses a mock trial in which undergraduates serve as expert witnesses and law students serve as their attorneys. The article identifies the trial as an effective vehicle for developing quantitative skills and enhancing written and oral communication skills. The course discussed is unabashedly about applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems. The entire course revolves around the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific data. Educational levels: Graduate or professional, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

Changing a Course from Lecture Format to Cooperative Learning

This PDF essay describes the experience instructors have when switching a class (marine geology in this case) from a traditional lecture format to a cooperative-learning format. The article cites increased achievement, motivation, and attendance on the part of the students. However, the author also experienced difficulties and successes switching roles from lecturer to facilitator. The article was originally published in the winter 1996 issue of Piadeia, University of Washington's undergraduate education newsletter. Educational levels: Graduate or professional, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

Interactive-engagement vs traditional methods: A six-thousand-student survey of mechanics test data for introductory physics courses

The complete report from Richard Hake's long-term study of interactive engagement (IE) techniques and their effect on the understanding of physics by non-physics majors. The study analyzed diverse student populations in high schools, colleges, and universities and used pre- and post-instruction testing to determine the gains in each group. IE techniques were shown to improve student's understanding at a significantly higher rate than traditional instruction. Additionally, these IE techniques are applicable to teaching a wide range of topics. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

Black Holes: From Here to Infinity FAQ

Black Holes: From Here to Infinity is a 6-page illustrated brochure that answers the eight most frequently asked questions about black holes. It was developed by the Education and Public Outreach group at Sonoma State University, with funding from the EXIST mission concept study and the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) mission. It is available in both English and Spanish and is part of the “Black Holes” suite of materials that accompany the PBS NOVA show “Monster of the Milky Way” and the planetarium show “Black Holes: the Other Side of Infinity.” Educational levels: Informal education, General public

Using Data in Undergraduate Science Classrooms

Provides pedagogical insight concerning the skill of using data The resource being annotated is: http://www.dlese.org/dds/catalog_DATA-CLASS-000-000-000-014.htm

Water Towers, Pump Houses, and Mountain Streams: Students' Ideas about Watersheds

Provides pedagogical insight concerning learners' pre-conceptions and misconceptions about watersheds The resource being annotated is: http://www.dlese.org/dds/catalog_DLESE-000-000-006-436.htm

Misconceptions About Caves and Karst: Common Problems and Educational Solutions

Provides pedagogical insight concerning learners' pre-conceptions and misconceptions about groundwater, caves, karst The resource being annotated is: http://www.dlese.org/dds/catalog_DLESE-000-000-001-018.htm

Water Towers, Pump Houses, and Mountain Streams: Students' Ideas about Watersheds

Provides pedagogical insight concerning learners' pre-conceptions and misconceptions about watersheds The resource being annotated is: DLESE-000-000-003-947

The Development of Student Conceptions of the Earth-Sun Relationship in an Inquiry-Based Curriculum

Provides pedagogical insight concerning learners' pre-conceptions and misconceptions about the earth's rotation and the seasons The resource being annotated is: http://www.dlese.org/dds/catalog_DLESE-000-000-005-677.htm