Maintaining a Small-group Discussion Focus while Bringing International Issues into the Large Classroom

Abstract

Geology 206, Oceans and Nations, addresses human interactions with the ocean and interactions among the world's nations in the ocean environment, satisfying the Ball State Global/International Studies requirement. The unique topical focus lends itself well to a classroom focus on small-group discussion and cooperative learning, and we have maintained these essentials as section enrollments have expanded from 20 in the early 1990's to more than 100 today. Small-group discussion sessions occupy 40% of all classroom time, giving students the opportunity to wrestle with many specific issues of marine law and ocean resource management, and to present positions and policy recommendations to the class at large. The group work provides regular hands-on practice integrating scientific understanding with cultural, political, and economic considerations, as well as exposure to the bases for divergent viewpoints. Factors important to the success of the course have included worksheet-based discussions, a seating chart incorporating permanent small discussion groups, monitoring of group performance by a student assistant, varied format of group reports, and a significant component of discussion-related material on tests.