Studio Classrooms and Student Centered Learning in Traditional Microscopy Courses

Abstract

A studio classroom involves few traditional lectures. Instead it emphasizes collaborative/cooperative learning and active learning. The instructor acts as a facilitator while the students work together to learn. In Geology courses involving petrographic microscopes, engaging students in cooperative learning may be problematic. Microscopy traditionally involves individual students using seperate petrographic microscopes. Digital microscopy using digital cameras to provide live video feed to a video monitor can help change a microscopy lab into a studio-style classroom. Students can work together on labs, teach each other to identify common rock-forming minerals, and piece together geologic histories and environment of formations in a highly collaborative environment. Once students adjust to the classroom environment, studio-style work carries over easily into class activities that don't necessarily involve the microscope. Studio classrooms promote higher test scores and students learn the importance of group work and in class presentations.