Discussion Series
How Learning Works: 7 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching
Ambrose, S., Bridges, M., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M., & Norman, M. (2010)
Any conversation about effective teaching must begin with a consideration of how students learn. However, instructors may find a gap between resources that focus on the technical research on learning and those that provide practical classroom strategies. How Learning Works provides the bridge for such a gap.
The authors introduce 7 general principles of learning, distilled from the research literature as well as from years of experience. They have drawn on research from a breadth of perspectives (cognitive, developmental, and social psychology; educational research; anthropology; demographics; and organizational behavior) to identify a set of key principles underlying learning. (from book flap)
Attend one session, or attend them all!
A discussion of the 7 principles of learning will occur one chapter at a time, led by a knowledgeable faculty member and involve a short presentation of the principle followed by a discussion of the implications of the principle for practice. Ultimately, the focus of these discussions will be on how each principle applies to the daily instructional lives of faculty members.
Schedule of Chapter Discussions
| 1/31/12 Tuesday |
Ch 1: | How Does Students’ Prior Knowledge Affect Their Learning? Facilitator: Jeannine Eddleton, Chemistry |
Session is full.
Resources |
| 2/15/12 Wednsday |
Ch 2: | How Does the Way Students Organize Knowledge Affect Learning? Facilitator: TBD |
Session is full.
Resources |
| 2/23/12 Thursday |
Ch 3: | What Factors Motivate Students to Learn? Facilitator: Brett Jones, Learning Sciences |
Session is full.
Resources |
| 3/15/12 Thursday |
Ch 4: | How Do Students Develop Mastery? Facilitator: Lisa McNair, Engineering Education |
Session is full.
Resources |
| 3/27/12 Tuesday |
Ch 5: | What Kinds of Practice and Feedback Enhance Learning? Facilitator: Jennifer M. Brill, Learning Sciences |
Session is full.
Resources |
| 4/11/12 Tuesday |
Ch 6: | Why do Student Development and Course Climate Matter? Facilitator: Robin Panneton, Psychology |
Session is full.
Resources |
| 4/25/12 Tuesday |
Ch 7: | How Do Students Become Self-Directed Learners? Facilitator: Barbara Bekken, Geosciences |
Session is full.
Resources |
Discussion Series?
The Discussion Series is designed to provide the time and space for faculty members to come together, share, discuss, and apply research-based instructional ideas and strategies in an informal atmosphere.
How Learning Works
Ch 1: Prior Knowledge
Ch 2: Organization
Ch 3: Motivation
Ch 4: Mastery
Ch 5: Feedback
Ch 6: Development
Ch 7: Self-Direction
