Pedagogical Strategies for Enhancing the Outcomes of Weekly Readings

Abstract

This study explores different pedagogical methods to understand what motivates undergraduate and graduate engineering students to read more thoroughly, deeply and with greater criticality. It analyzes three associated activities that were intended to encourage reading: a summary of the readings, an online discussion board and a student-led discussion. The study explores questions about the amount and depth of reading, and students’ perceptions of the value of the readings and associated activities. Data was collected using the following methods: student questionnaires and focus groups, TA and instructor reflections, end of course evaluations and student grades. The results indicate thatthe associated assignments encouraged students to read more and motivated the students to read with more depth and criticality. Overall, the students had a positive perception of the readings and assignments, but they also identified pedagogical improvements that would have encouraged them to be more engaged with the reading material. The results of this research show that the associated activities in all three iterations of the undergraduate course increased reading compliance. The online discussion activities increased the depth of reading more than the summary assignment, though the discussion students read less of the entire reading weekly. The overall student perception of the reading assignment was that the assignment was good but could be made more effective with some changes. Future iterations of the courses could include new pedagogical strategies with interactive components to increase depth and engagement.