Low Cost Ways to Shape Student Work

Outside ClassLearning Enhancement Service

Ken JonesSeptember 30-October 3

Time Spent Studying per Week (Graduating Seniors)• More than 21 hours per week – 35.5% CSB• 16.2% SJU

• Less than 10 hours per week -- 17% CSB• 37% SJU

Making Expectations More Visible• Need frequent reminders• Moving beyond “work hard” or “x hours”• What should they be able to do when done?• Explain to a friend• Write a summary and provide evidence• Do homework problems without looking at text

Explaining How to Learn• It is easy for us, but not for them• Need help understanding how to read in discipline• Need help understanding how to organize/study in

discipline

• Modeling helps

• Concept maps a possibility

Low Cost Incentives

• Independent learning and career success

• Explain performance versus mastery approaches• Tests define ability in field – permanent condition• Tests as indicator of current level and guide for

improvement

• Tie to non-academic interests

Peer Pressure in Small Groups• Meaningful task with public result

• Semi-permanent groups

• Peer assessment

Don’t Forget Class Discussion• Praise very good answers• Encourages the one praised• Stimulates others to reach same level• No cost to professor

• Provide formal feedback on classroom participation• Provides individualized feedback• Clarifies expectations• Some cost to professor

How Diligently Would You Read Before Class If• It is likely that the professor would spend most of

the class on something other than the assigned readings?

• It is likely that the professor would begin class by telling you want was in the assigned readings?

Beware Starting by “Clarifying” the Reading• Students see no point in doing the reading before

class

• Students unwilling to discuss because “truth” has been revealed

• Convinces professor that lectures are essential

A More Effective Approach• Make them do something with the out of class

material first• Many not be able to go very far, but make them do it

• Step in after they have worked• Use what they have done as base for effort to move

them further• Faculty clarifies, expands

How Diligently Would You Prepare Before Class If• It is likely that the professor will raise questions

about the readings, but will wait for people to volunteer an answer?

• It is likely that the professor will ask questions on the readings, and call on people randomly for answers?

• It is likely that the professor will ask questions on the readings, and call on each student by the end of the period?

Calling on Students

• Motivates students to do out of class work• Increases learning through active engagement

• Make it a normal part of class, not a punitive action• Avoid sense of picking on individual with group calls

Slightly Higher Cost Options• Done before class• Short papers, Moodle posts, journal entries

• Done in class• In class writing, short quizzes, small group presentations

• Do periodically, more at beginning • Keep grading simple and brief