6th Teaching & Education Conference, Vienna

INTEGRATING ACTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING OF ABSTRACT CONCEPTS

CHANDRIMA CHATTERJEE

Abstract:

Teaching abstract topics in any module can sometimes be a daunting task for instructors. Typical classroom recitations may not be sufficient at times for proper understanding of the fundamental concepts of the subject. Hence there is a need to incorporate effective active learning techniques in any teaching curriculum to further the learning experience of the students thereby enhancing their understanding of complex and abstract concepts. As such incorporating hands-on activities in any course will certainly facilitate student engagement and also stimulate their interest in the subject concerned. In addition developing short educational and instructional videos known as Concept Vignettes on complicated topics for a module can help to supplement the existing lesson materials. Such videos provide the students with an online platform to overcome their conceptual difficulties related to the lectures. Besides it is an effective way by means of which students are able to revisit certain core concepts post regular lectures. Such active learning pedagogical techniques facilitate the instructors to attain the pre-identified learning objectives of the module and therefore, enhance student learning outcomes. This paper will also present results from a feedback obtained from students which reflects the needs of such pedagogical approach.

Keywords: Concept vignettes, curriculum, active and interactive learning, technology driven learning, science education

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