Closing the loop 2005

Desired Outcome:

Students are more personally engaged in course materials when they develop a written argument for or against a particular stance and orally presented their argument to the class. This same level of involvement and understanding can be achieved through small group presentations.

Data Collection:

Small group presentations of opposing arguments in three courses were compared to individual presentations of for and against arguments in those same classes.

Interpretation of the Data:

• Some students disengage in the small group presentations by remaining quiet and not being responsible for the material presented.
• Students overall are more individually engaged when they present their own argument to the class.
• Class size increases limit amount of time that can be devoted to individual presentations.

Changes to implement:

Course needs to incorporate both individual and group presentations Need to provide more structure for group presentations so that everyone might be responsible for part of the presentation.