Cooperative
Learning and the New Paradigm
By Dr. Karl Smith
A paradigm shift is
occurring in engineering education, driven by ABET, changing expectations of
employers, the rapidly changing state-of-the-art of pedagogy and technology,
and many other forces. Minor modifications to current teaching practices will
not solve today's problems nor make the best use of faculty and student time
and talent. Teaching and learning success today requires new approaches to
instruction, and an important part of the new approach is the switch to
student-centered learning via cooperative learning. This brief workshop focuses
on incorporating active and cooperative learning in "lecture" classes.
The format is hands-on and interactive, and features modeling of small-group
exercises, lecture, discussion and video demonstrations. Questions addressed
include: What are active and cooperative learning? How do you do it? Why bother
(What is the rationale)?
Handouts: