Principal Investigators: Broxton Bird, Associate Professor, Earth Sciences, School of Science. Dr. Victoria Schmalhofer, Assistant Director CEES, School of Science, Earth Sciences, Dr. Brian Plankis, Educational Specialist CEES, School of Science, Earth Sciences. Dr. Samuel Nyarko, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, STEM Education Innovation and Research Institute (SEIRI),
Project Title: Changing How the Earth Works (GEOL- G110) to a student-centered small class format
Funding Level: $5000
Abstract: Increasing diversity among undergraduate students engaging with the Department of Earth Sciences is a priority. Historically, How the Earth Works GEOL-G110 (hereafter G-110), has had a large enrollment requiring instructional delivery to follow a lecture model using teacher-centric instructional methods. Teacher-centered methods of instruction discourage student engagement and participation with a course; disengagement at the introductory level may turn students away from the exciting field of geology. Because enrollment in G-110 has declined in recent years, we believe a more student-centered approach to teaching and learning, using evidence-based active and inquiry strategies, will be appropriate to the smaller class size. We propose to revise G-110 to include a mix of inquiry practices (e.g. group labs incorporating hands-on activities, student projects), and active learning strategies (e.g. group work/discussions, field trips) to motivate student engagement and participation. Inquiry approaches that incorporate active learning increase engagement, especially when students are allowed to pursue their interests within a flexible framework. Revisions will be designed to create a shared understanding of course content, allow students greater freedom to pursue topics of interest to them, and attract a more diverse student population. A strength of our department is the diversity of our faculty and graduate students, which is in contrast to typical Earth Sciences departments at other universities. We intend to leverage this strength by collaborating with faculty and graduate students to prepare course activities and presentations that create a connection between Earth science, society, and student careers.
