HR: 08:20h
AN: ED41C-02 [Abstracts]
TI: An Innovative Teaching Method To Promote Active Learning: Team-Based Learning
AU: * Balasubramanian, R
EM: eserbala@nus.edu.sg
AF: National University of Singapore, Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, 9
Engineering Drive 1 Block EA #03-12, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
AB:
Traditional teaching practice based on the textbook-whiteboard- lecture-homework-test paradigm is not very
effective in helping students with diverse academic backgrounds achieve higher-order critical thinking skills such
as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Consequently, there is a critical need for developing a new pedagogical
approach to create a collaborative and interactive learning environment in which students with complementary
academic backgrounds and learning skills can work together to enhance their learning outcomes. In this
presentation, I will discuss an innovative teaching method (‘Team-Based Learning (TBL)") which I recently
developed at National University of Singapore to promote active learning among students in the environmental
engineering program with learning abilities. I implemented this new educational activity in a graduate course.
Student feedback indicates that this pedagogical approach is appealing to most students, and promotes active &
interactive learning in class. Data will be presented to show that the innovative teaching method has contributed
to improved student learning and achievement.
DE: 0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
DE: 0825 Teaching methods
DE: 0840 Evaluation and assessment
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting