A Project of the Natural and Applied Science Division at Hope College

Science

Scientists' answers are the result of observation and experiment. They state a possible answer (an hypothesis) and then compare the results with those predicted by the hypothesis. When the experiment gives results that are different than those of the hypothesis, nature always wins. That is, we reject the hypothesis.

Learning and Teaching

To learn is to acquire knowledge. To teach is to impart knowledge. Although we know that learning is the goal, we put the emphasis on teaching. Perhaps that is because it is easier to fool ourselves about teaching. We can say "I taught a great class today," with conviction even if no learning took place, but it is less easy to say, "My students learned today." But did they? Is there a simple and scientific way to improve my teaching?

Project #1 - Fall, 2008

Ideally this will use all the faculty in the division to test the hypothesis: An assessment method called the "one-minute exercise" can improve student learning in classes that use it. Participating faculty will conduct class with no additions or changes for the first half of the semester. Then, during the second half of the semester, they will ask the students to do the "one-minute exercise" each class period. This means filling out a half-sheet of paper with three short questions.

Sample Exercise Questions:

1. What was the most important point in today's class?
2. What point was confusing to you?
3. What would you like to know more about?

Reading Matter

Constant incremental improvement in teaching is possible if teaching and assessment are combined to measure learning. To see this demonstrated in detail see Richard J. Mezeske & Barbara A. Mezeske, (editors) Beyond Tests and Quizzes: Creative Assessments in the College Classroom. Jossey-Bass, (John Wiley & Songs) 2007.

Links related to Just One Little Experiment

• Sandy Chapman - In-Class Assessment Techniques
  The Institue for Teaching and Learning, Colorado State University
• In Class Assessment - Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence,  Penn State University
• Classroom Assessment Techniques - Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
• Thomas A. Angelo and K. Patricia Cross - Classroom Assessment Technique Examples, University of Hawaii
• Assessment in Large Classes - Carleton College

Time Line

People

Questions?