Team-based learning (TBL) is a proven teaching technique that has been employed in many disciplines and may improve performance of lower-performing students. However, much of the TBL literature involves graduate students in the health professions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether students in an undergraduate, introductory…

In response to an invitation to integrate science and art pedagogy, science and dance students enrolled in specific disciplinary courses, collaboratively produced choreography based on scientific principles. This paper reports students' experience of this process. Science students reported an increased understanding of concepts, while dance…

STEM graduate students are expected to develop strong writing skills as fundamental components of measured success. Based on a targeted learning outcome for an interdisciplinary graduate program, and a need to support STEM graduate student writing, this study analyzes the effectiveness of a writing community, implemented to assist with enhancing…

Utilizing constructivist teaching approaches in higher education promotes students' engagement and learning. This article centers on an instructor's use and implementation of the fishbowl strategy in two separate undergraduate courses at two different institutions. Originally conceived of as a teaching strategy for face-to-face classes, this…

Groupwork is a useful classroom tool, but may not fully benefit students who are ostracized by peers due to nonacademic factors, like weight. Here, undergraduate students estimated GPAs of hypothetical student peers who were described as "overweight" or "normal-weight" and judged how much they wanted to work with them. We found…

We designed an interdisciplinary project-based learning course in hydroponics for undergraduate non-science major students. Students worked in teams to design, build, and maintain plants in various types of hydroponic systems over the semester. In three semesters of teaching the course, students consistently demonstrated knowledge of course…

Social science students are often uninterested in studying statistics, and only take these courses because they are required. This disinterest can lead to lower performance. We employ regression analysis to examine the impact of attending Supplemental Instruction sessions on final grades earned in a required social sciences statistics course at a…

Mobile technology has changed the landscape of post-secondary education. This descriptive study examined student and instructor perceptions of student learning and engagement while using mobile technology. Overall, student perceptions of learning and engagement were neutral; however, instructors reported higher positive perceptions on both…

This paper reports the results from the implementation of Team-Based Learning (TBL) methodology at a large Australian university. The study found a significant difference between students' learning experience and hours spent studying pre and post TBL. The study also found a significant positive relationship between in-built TBL assessments and…

Urban universities with a predominantly commuting student population face distinct challenges in fostering social connections. Commuting students spend less time on campus and have fewer opportunities for organized and spontaneous social interactions with other students. The campus experience for commuter students tends to center around the…

This study examined possible ways to increase student engagement in small sections of a large, introductory-level, required university course. Research shows that cooperative group learning boosts achievement through fostering better interpersonal relationships between students. Cooperative group learning is an evidence-based instructional…

Constructionist principles provide fertile ground for developing innovative approaches to learning. Using a grounded theory qualitative research design, we analyzed participant reports of their experience in an online course in which they collaboratively authored a book. Our qualitative analysis suggested that participants experienced…

How can we best support instructors to learn, practice, and retain student-centered, active-learning teaching strategies in their undergraduate courses? While approaches like professional development workshops may inspire some, permanent adoption of new pedagogy is rare. Here, we investigate "paired teaching" to achieve adoption and…

This article presents the Simmons World Challenge curriculum, an intensive, interdisciplinary program for sophomore undergraduate students that emphasizes student-directed collaborative learning and skills development. The authors present the curricular approach and assessment outcomes, and they relate this program to goals of the AAC&U's…

Knacktive is a one-term course that incorporates a highly select group of undergraduate students and replicates the intense teamwork atmosphere of a technology-oriented, professional marketing communication agency. As an interdisciplinary learning opportunity, Knacktive melds students from five disciplines--including art and graphic design,…