Fostering an Active Learning Environment for Undergraduates: Peer-to-Peer Interactions in a Research Group

Authors

  • Christopher E. Long University of South Carolina
  • Michael A. Matthews University of South Carolina
  • Nancy S. Thompson University of South Carolina

Abstract

The benefits of active learning in the traditional classroom setting are well established among engineering educators; however, this learning model can thrive in other settings, namely in a research group. This work presents findings from an educational research project specifically designed to foster active learning among undergraduates and graduate students. Observations and data were collected in the Research Communications Studio (RCS), which uses the research group as a forum for active learning. Distributed cognition is a key concept behind the structure of the RCS. Specific practices that facilitate active participation are described, and a quantitative analysis of group discourse is used to confirm activity levels and to characterize the nature of the group interactions. The methods used to foster active learning can be adapted to a variety of research group settings.

Author Biographies

Christopher E. Long, University of South Carolina

Christopher E. Long received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2006, in the field of process control. He served as a mentor in the Research Communications Studio for two years. He is presently employed by GE.

Michael A. Matthews, University of South Carolina

Michael A. Matthews is a professor and chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. He is also principal investigator of the Research Communications Studio project.

Nancy S. Thompson, University of South Carolina

Nancy S. Thompson is retired from the Department of English at the University of South Carolina. She is a founder of the Writing Studio in the english department and is a co-principal investigatorof the Research Communications Studio project.

Downloads

Published

2007-07-01

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 3 (2007): Summer 2007

Section

Manuscripts