Abstract
Active and collaborative (cooperative) learning are two pedagogical methods used in the instruction of students. In active learning students solve problems, formulate questions for discussions and brainstorm during class. Collaborative learning involves students working together as teams on projects, homework and testing. These pedagogies ensure student-directed learning, interdependence and individual accountability. These strategies were tested in two separate courses at Morehouse College (Gen Bio 112 and Bio Sci 101) in Spring 2005. To facilitate active and collaborative learning, students were paired up at the beginning of the semester and encouraged to work together in and out of class. The effectiveness of this method culminated with a paired test assessment at the end of the semester. Testing paradigm included students taking two individual and two paired exams. With a passing grade set at 70%, scores showed that 25% of the Bio 112 students passed the 3rd exam when it was taken individually (18/73), whereas 97% passed when the same test was given as paired testing (68/70). Student performance increased on the 4th individual exam to 62% (45/72) but declined slightly to 96% (52/54) on the paired testing. In the Bio 101 course, the passing grade was 60%. When taken individually, 74% passed (28/38) the 1st exam and 95% of the students passed the paired test (36/38). Students’ performance increased in the 4th individual exam to 91% (32/35) and the percentage from the paired testing increased slightly to 100% (27/27). These data show that active and collaborative strategies can be effective tools in enhancing student learning in different classes. Support contributed by the Div. of Sci. and Maths, Morehouse College.
Published Version
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