translated and adapted from a presentation by Asko Karjalainen

Supporting the students in the task of learning (in non-lecture formats)

the essential tasks

of teaching

A. Determine a student’s prior knowledge

B. Promote learningactivity

C. Carry outcontinuous evaluation

Activating the students…

Active learning means that students conceptualise and produce knowledge there is an emphasis on the development of skills rather than the

transfer of knowledge thought is stimulated through analysis, evauation and the

construction of a holistic view students participate in the teaching (reading, discussion, writing) students are encouraged to monitor their own thoughts, values

and attitudes

Activation can take place intellectually (intelligence, understanding, thought) experientially (emotion, experience, attitudes) by doing (activity, practice)

Some techniques for encouraging interaction and active learning in teaching modes other than lectures…

“Sticky note” technique

The sticky note technique can function as a stimulating activity Give the students a task or question which is answered by listing items

• Example: list the things you want to learn on this course. One item only is listed on each sticky note Collect the slips after the given time and spread them out on the board or

wall. Group them into related topics, and the students discuss the topic on the

basis of the items listed on the slips. The slips are moved around as the discussion progresses, with the aim of

creating an overview of the topic. Large groups can be divided into smaller groups of 4-6 students, who work

together on producing their own overview.

(Vänskä, 1995)

Task-oriented group work

In, for example, a 2-hour introductory lecture, the students are divided into groups of 4-6 and given the same assignment.

The groups work autonomously The teacher reserves mentoring time for each group,

which is equivalent to the intended number of teaching hours.

Thus, a course billed as a 24-hour lecture course has 24 hours available for mentoring.

If necessary, short info sessions can be held during the autonomous group work.

(Olkkonen & Vanhala, p. 178)

Discussion

Discussion topics need to be clear and sufficiently well defined. Use concrete, relevant topics that relate to the students’ own

experience. The topics for discussion can be given to the students before the

actual discussion. Prepare for the discussion. Outline and list the topics that belong to

the theme of the discussion. Think through answers to possible questions.

The discussion can be stimulated, for example, by presentations, demonstrations, role plays, video excerpts, showing a provocative statement on the OHP, a picture or cartoon strip which contains a problem, challenge or unusual situation.

Classroom discussion

The aim of a classroom discussion can be the achievement of a solution, the making of a decision or the contemplation of a topic together to facilitate deep learning.

The topic to be discussed should be at least partly familiar to the participants so that they have some knowledge or experience of it.

It helps to sit the participants in a semi-circle (or similar) and reserve sufficient time.

The discussion can be triggered off by questions, short presentations, a video excerpt, role plays or case studies.

Either a student or the teacher can take the role of discussion leader. The teaching discussion can be divided into four phases:

Orientation Investigation of the topic Analysis or understanding Decision-making or summary

(Kupias, p. 53, 55-56)

Questions in class:”affective response”

Questions can be formulated so that the students have to reflect on their values and attitudes related to the topics of the course.

This method is applicable on courses where questions requiring an affective response can be posed.

For example, before presenting a moral theory, the teacher might ask their opinion about the actions of a public figure in a recent item of news.

The students are forced to consider their own beliefs and opinions about the issue, leading to discussion in the lesson.

(www.tlc.eku.edu/tips)

Round

This technique facilitates discussion.Each participant answers the posed

question in turn.For example

Which questions would you like to be answered during the lesson?

What have you read about the topic that was interesting?

(Kuittinen, p. 111)

Snowball method

This technique facilitates discussion. Each student considers a problem alone and

compares his/her solution with that of a classmate.

The pair then compare their solutions with another pair, and so on.

(Kuittinen, p. 111)

Socratic classroom discussion

This technique aims at increasing knowledge and developing deductive skills. It is suitable for pairs and groups. Example classroom discussion

i. What is the most common grain grown in China?ii. Why is rice grown in China?iii. Why is rice not grown in Ireland?iv. What do you imagine the effect of the monsson will be on the growth of rice?v. Why is this so?

1. Start the discussion by asking questions about familiar topics.2. Go on to “why” questions, leading the discussion to the level of principles.3. This promotes more complex explanations and exposes assumptions about the

relationships between topics prior knowledge is used to make deductions 4. Proceed to more general rules

Suggest counter-examples and contradictory assumptions, where the student has to test the generalisability of the principle s/he has developed

5. If the student gives a wrong answer, pose a counter-question or ask him/her to justify his/her answer the student notices where his/his deductive reasoning went off track.

(Lonka & Lonka, p. 37)

Buzz groups

This can be used as part of the lesson in both smaller and larger groups.

After a teaching session of about 25 minutes, students form groups of 3-4 in which they can briefly discuss a given topic.

Next, the students work independently with the problem (5-10min.).

As an alternative, after a discussion of about half an hour, groups can be formed to discuss either the teacher’s or the students’ questions.

Buzz groups can also be used before the lesson starts give students a problem to consider the buzz group comes up with solutions to the problem the ideas are collected and written up on the board this is followed by the actual lesson

Expanding buzz group start with individual work move on to pair work move on to groups of four expanded to the whole group in order to summarise the discussions

(Kekäle, p. 92-93)

Square root group

This is a modification of the buzz group.

1. On the first occasion, the students can be divided into groups on a random basis the size of the group can be decided together.

2. After a short discussion about the issues to be considered, cards are dealt out to the students (numbered slips: A1, A2, A3..; B1, B2, B3..,C1, C2, C3..) and new groups are formed.

3. Students dealt slips with the same letter form a group discussion

4. After this discussion, new groups are formed again using the numbered slips to determine group members.

5. As the new group starts work, the students tell the other group members what was discussed in the previous group.

(Kekäle, p. 99)

Reflective team

The reflective team activity can be used in the following way: Someone brings a (customer) case study and presents it to the

group. 3-5 students are chosen from the whole group. This small group sits

in the centre of the class and starts to analyse and search for alternative models for explanating and solving the case.

The rest of the class forms an outer ring around the small group. They listen to the discussion of the small group and take notes, but

do NOT participate in the discussion. The small group discusses for about 10-15 minutes. When the discussion ends, a new small group sits in the inner ring

and continues the discussion started by the original group. The group can change several times.

After the discussions in small groups, the person whose case was considered makes an evaluation of the discussion. Subsequently, the discussion can continue with the whole group.

(Kupias, p. 88)

Debate I

The debate generally lasts 15 minutes, but at least 10. The teacher selects those who defend the motion (for example, Finland needs foreign workers), those who oppose it (for example, the immigration of foreigners to Finland should be stopped), a chair and a timekeeper.

During the first round, the debaters briefly present and provide the grounds for their views (those for and those against the motion in turn).

After this, the defenders and opposers take speaking turns, who decide themselves who will speak.

If the debate comes to a halt, the chair can offer a turn to the audience.

The timekeeper gives a signal about two minutes before the end that the debate is coming to a close the sides each have a minute to sum up their case, with the defender of the motion having the final turn.

(Kekäle, p. 98)

Debate II

The debate can also be realised as follows: Two teachers prepare to defend their own

perspectives and criticise the views of the other. Each teacher gives a 10-20 minute presentation

about the topic The teachers pose questions about the topic to

each other (2-3 questions). The students ask the teachers questions. A vote is held to decide the outcome of the debate.

(Kekäle, p. 97)

Panel discussion

The students read a text or article about the topic of the lecture.

Either the teachers or the students hold a debate about issues raised in the text.

The panel discussion can also be organised so that views supporting both camps are distributed to the students the students’ task is to present these perspectives

Students should be encouraged to participate in the discussion, to interrupt and to ask questions.

(Kekäle, p. 96)

Brainstorm

In groups, the students present their own opinions freely and come up with ideas to solve a problem.

These ideas are written down in the group. After the ideas have been compiled, the ideas are critically

discussed in the whole group, but the students from whom the ideas originated are not identified.

The ideas can be developed and linked up in order to find workable solutions.

The lesson can begin with a brainstorm, through which the students find key words, ideas and phrases which shed light on and expand the topic of the lesson.

The ideas are written down on the board. Words and themes which are connected can be linked with lines The framework can be used to support the lesson.

(Kekäle, p. 43-44)

Demonstration

Practices and methods can be taught through a systematic demonstration (observation).

Presentation: Students are explained the purpose of the demonstration, the most significant points, the necessary stages and the materials.

Demonstration: The stages are completed and explained in the correct order. If the demonstration is complicated, it can be completed in parts, checking after each stage that nothing remains unclear.

Summary: Repeat the main stages of the demonstration in order to create a holistic picture of the process.

Students can be asked to participate in carrying out the demonstration.

(Kekäle, p. 41)

Case study method

This is based on finding a solution to problems given by the teacher.

The case is given in writing: the text contains an overview, a description of the problem and the questions which have to be answered.

The problem can be solved either alone or in a group.

(Kekäle, p. 46)

Quiz I

Give a task, for example, to a small group, preferably a problem-solving task or a factual question.

There can be a symbolic prize. As an alternative, students can formulate questions (3-5) in a

small group and these can be given to another group. Two groups compete, and the group which answers more

questions correctly continues to the next round. After that, the next groups compete, and this process continues

until the winning group emerges. If the members of the other group are unable to answer a

question, the person who asked the question gives and explains the answer.

(Olkkonen & Vanhala, p. 174-175)

Quiz II: reading quiz

By holding a quiz, students are “forced” to read the course material before the come to class. The teacher also gains information about whether the students have understood what they read.

The teacher can also explain to students HOW they should read the material should they focus on details or on the Big Picture? The form of the quiz questions should direct this.

The quiz questions can also guide the students to notice which issues are important on the course.

(www.tlc.eku.edu/tips)

Role play I

This is a way of investigating problems that relate to relationships between people, clarify a problem, and find and test out creative solutions.

Example of the realisation of a role play: Explain the purpose of the role play. Describe the situation

and the roles clearly before the roles are distributed. Two or more students take the agreed roles and act out a

given event with its consequences (for example, doctor’s reception, discussion between researchers with different views).

A role play generally lasts just a few minutes. Roles can be changed from time to time students gain

personal perspectives from both points of view.

(Kekäle, p. 45)

Role play II

Role play can be adapted for larger classes. Example:

Form groups of 3-5 people. All groups receive the same situation with its

constituent problems and roles. Each group acts out the role play within the group. The group selects one person from the group who

summarises the role play for the whole group. The teacher gives a summary, paying attention to

significant points.

(Kekäle, p. 45)

Teaching simulation

Social situations which feel fairly authentic can be introduced into teaching.

A simulation must be easy to assimilate and play, but also sufficiently complex to provide a challenge. It should also be short enough to fit into class time.

A simulation can range from a traditional pen-and-paper game to a simulation using a computer program.

Example simulations: The prisoner’s dilemma: Two prisoners are charged with two crimes, but the

police lack sufficient evidence of a serious crime. The game offers three alternatives. If neither confesses to a serious crime, both will receive a moderate sentence of 1.5 years in prison. If both confess, they will receive a sentence of 2-3 years imprisonment. If only one confesses and gives satisfactory evidence, s/he will receive a sentence of 6 months, but the other prisoner will receive a sentence of 3-5 years. The prisoners decide which route to take independently without knowledge of the other’s choice. The penalty also depends on the decision of the other (Hyman 1981)

(Kuittinen, p. 50)

Cooperative learning

Cooperative method:1. Decide which student is A and which is B.2. Each reads text 1.3. After reading, the texts are put aside.4. A summarises orally the content of text 1.5. B corrects anything that s/he believes is wrong in A’s

summary.6. A and B work together to come up with analogues, images,

etc. to facilitate learning about the topic.7. Both read text 2.8. Steps 4-6 are repeated with A and B roles reversed.

(Lonka & Lonka, p. 42)

Cooperative teaching

This is reminiscent of cooperative learning, but cooperative teaching focuses more on the content of learning.

Pair work:1. Decide which student is A and which is B.2. A reads text 1 and B reads text 2..3. After reading, the texts are put aside.4. A summarises the content of text 1 (teaches B)5. B asks specific questions.6. The pair works together to come up with analogues, images,

etc. to facilitate learning about the topic.7. Steps 4-6 are repeated for text 2.

(Lonka & Lonka, p. 42-43)

Collaborative learning

The students are divided into, for example, six “home” groups of five members (A, B, C, D, E)

The groups are given the same task comprising five separate sub-tasks.

The As in each group form an “expert” group and work on the first sub-task, the Bs work on the second sub-task, etc.

The As, Bs, etc from different groups carry out their own sub-task in pairs or with the whole expert group collecting the basic information.

Each expert group member returns to his or her home group and reports on the sub-task; the results are compiled.

Finally, the groups and the whole class together discuss the results.

(Kuittinen, p. 127)

Group jigsaw

The students are divided into groups Each group is given materials which are divided up into parts (a

jigsaw) so that each group member gets one part of the materials. Each group member studies his or her own part, and then

teaches this part to the other group members. When each member has taught his or her own part, the group

constructs an overall picture from the parts note that it should be impossible to grasp the Big Picture until the parts are integrated.

Each student is responsible for studying and teaching his or her own part.

(www.sci.sdsu.edu/BFS/first/activestrat.html)

Learning cell

Learning cell involves pair work Examples:

Student pairs test their understanding and recall of a book by explaining to their partner what they have learned (students can read different materials and complement the other’s knowledge).

Students make up questions on what they have read for the partner to answer The teacher circulates, monitors the pair work and gives guidance where necessary.

Pair work can be used on a writing course One student can comment on, revise and approve the other’s text.

Pair work can be used to prepare for a test The pair list the most important concepts from a series of lectures. The students prepare questions for each other on each concept to check their partner’s knowledge.

Pair work can also be used mid-course to check the understanding of difficult topics.

(Kuittinen, p. 96-97)

Project work

In the project, students are given a particular topic or aim, and they plan themselves how to achieve the objective.

Project work can be organised as part of a lecture course or as an independent unit.

The teacher is responsible for guiding the project and taking care of the practical arrangements.

Examples: The group plans and carries out a survey, analyse the results and present

them as a report or in the form of a poster. Students of physics plan a device with which energy is generated from waves

in the sea. The group forma a committee whose job is to investigate the problems in a

city centre, and this work is used for town planning.

(Lonka & Lonka, p. 36)

Research report and presentation

Students plan a research project related to the topic of the course (alone or in groups).

Students can collect information in their own time and during the lessons.

The research project is presented to the others, with time reserved for questions.

Topics for the project can also be prepared by the teacher, and students allowed to select from the prepared alternatives.

Tutor guidance

In addition to lectures, the students can turn to a tutor who can help the students to understand what is still unclear after the lectures.

Tutorials can take place on an individual basis or in small groups, and can be given directly in connection to lectures or separately during the tutor’s office hour.

Written work can also be carried out under the tutor’s guidance.

(Lonka & Lonka, p. 39)

Tutorials

This is a form of teaching where, for example, groups of four meet on a weekly basis.

The students write an essay every other week. The students participate in working on the others’ essays. The author presents the essay in brief, and it is then discussed.

(Lonka & Lonka, p. 39)

Treasure hunt

Objects are set up at various points in the classroom for viewing, for criticism or to help provide answers to questions.

The students form pairs and are given instructions about what they should do at each point (for example, answer the questions at the points).

The pairs complete the circuit of points. In one version, pairs may help each other. In another version, pairs compete to complete the circuit of points. When all pairs have completed the circuit, the whole group

discusses the answers or ”finds” altogether.

Learning assignment

The learning assignment can be carried out alone, in pairs or in groups.

The learning assignment can be carried out before or during the course.

A good learning assignment Is meaningful and properly scaled to suit the students’ skills Exposes the significance of the topic to be learned even when a

student works alone should require material which is obtainable reasonably easily should be able to be related to the students’ world of experience should link theory and practice should require analysis of material and application of knowledge links to the Big Picture and to prior knowledge Includes self-assessment and formative assessment

(Kupias, p. 64)

3-2-1 processor

The teacher asks students (or pairs or groups) to write down three points that they remember from the previous lecture or from material read at home.

After that, the teacher asks the students to write down two perspectives, either from their personal experience or from current affairs, which relate to the three points they remember.

Finally, the teacher asks the students to write down one question related to the lecture or the material for which they want an answer.

(www.bcte.ecu.edu/ACBMITEC/p2003/Gueldenzoph1.htm)

Problem-based learning (PBL)

PBL starts with a trigger (messy problem or case) The method comprises seven stages:

1. Clarification of terms students bring up the points that they don’t understand or which cause confusion. Common concepts and terms are defined and clarifies. (allow about 5 mins)

2. Definition of the problem A researchable problem is defined on the basis of the trigger. This is used as the starting point for brainstorming. (allow 1-2 mins)

3. Brainstorming Students come up with explanations, alternative approaches, individual facts and hypotheses about the problem a secretary writes these down on a board (allow 5-15 mins)

4. Analysis of the problem / construction of a model The topics raised during the brainstorming are grouped to form a system. On the basis of this, a model is constructed to explain the phenomena. (allow 5-20 mins)

Problem-based learning (PBL)

5. Formulating learning objectives The purpose here is to create common learning aims for all group members. These should facilitate self-study and discussion of the topic in the debriefing. The learning objectives focus on topics related to the problem where the students are lacking in knowledge. (allow about 2-20 mins)

6. Self-study Students study necessary resources to help them achieve their learning objectives. (allow at least 1½ days)

7. Debriefing and evaluation After the self-study phase, the class reviews all findings on the topic. Using the newly acquired knowledge, the students try together to compare their present knowledge to their learning objectives and draw links with the trigger that was originally given.

(see also http://www2.imsa.edu/programs/pbln/ andhttp://www.c-sap.bham.ac.uk/resources/project_reports/ShowOverview.asp?id=4

Visual list

This is a useful method when the teacher wants the students to consider the pros and cons of an issue or compare views (for example, nuclear power).

Ask the students (alone or in groups) to draw a “T” on paper or on the board, and mark off the left and right side (advantages on one side, disadvantages on the other).

Ask the students to list the pros and cons. When the students have finished their list, ask them questions which

force them to analyse the issues listed in the letter “T”.

(www.tlc.eku.edu/tips)

Market of thoughts

First, students write down their own ideas, for example, on particular themes or in response to questions.

Each person writes one idea at a time on a flipchart or on the wall. Students keep moving within the classroom, reading the thoughts of others, so

that their own creative process is stimulated and ideas (one’s own or those of others) can be developed further.

During this process, nobody speaks. Interaction takes place in written mode. Finally, topics can be connected during a discussion at the end of the activity.

(Olkkonen & Vanhala, p. 172)

References

• Kekäle, J. 1994. Luento-opetuksen kehittäminen. Vähemmälläluennoimisella parempiin tuloksiin. Korkeakoulupedagogiikan perusmateriaali. Oulu.

• Kuittinen, M. 1994. Mitä luennoinnin sijaan? Malleja opiskelijan itsenäisen työskentelyn lisäämiseksi. Korkeakoulupedagogiikan perusmateriaali. Oulu.

• Lonka, K & Lonka, I. (toim.) 1991. Aktivoiva opetus. Käsikirja aikuisten ja nuorten opettajille. Kirjayhtymä, Helsinki.

• Olkkonen, T & Vanhala, M. 1997. Akateeminen luento - kohtaavatko luennoitsija ja opiskelija? Oulun yliopiston opintotoimiston julkaisuja. Sarja A12. Oulu: Oulun yliopistopaino.

• Vänskä, M. 1995. Antoisaan opiskeluun. Käsikirja opiskelun ja opetuksen kehittämiseen. Helsingin yliopiston ylioppilaskunta.