Utilising graduate teaching assistants to implement active learning at university level

Barnes, Stephen, Harrison, Charles K, Koramoah, Rachel, Ivanova, Iveta T and Read, David (2017) Utilising graduate teaching assistants to implement active learning at university level. New Directions in the Teaching of Physical Sciences, 12.

Abstract

Active learning is recognised as a crucial component of university courses in enhancing performance and retention. However, universities face numerous challenges in broadening the provision of active learning, including time constraints, and a lack of staff training and confidence to develop appropriate activities. This article outlines an approach taken at the University of Southampton to engage a team of graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in the process of developing, delivering, and evaluating active learning resources to support small-group teaching in chemistry on a Science Foundation Year programme. A team of four GTAs developed nine activities during the 2015/16 academic year, with evaluation supporting their enhancement for 2016/17. The article outlines the progress of this work over two academic years, providing evidence of a positive impact on students and teachers alike.

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Contributors

Author: David Read

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