Reflections on Three Years of Teaching in an Active Learning Classroom

• In Event: TLC at APSA: Pedagogy Café

Abstract

Many of us have been around long enough to see changes in our classrooms. Gone are the blackboards and chalk, mostly replaced by whiteboards. Computers have crept in and projector screens are more common. We have internet easily accessible and we thought it could not get any better. Surprise! Now we have active learning classrooms designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, retention, creativity and participation. After three years of teaching in such a classroom and reviewing student evaluations, this pedagogy café will share the benefits of such a classroom from the instructor and student perspective. It is an opportunity to share experiences and ideas and how we can improve political science education for our students. We can also show how small changes in a traditional classroom can make it more active-learning friendly.

Authors

• Terry Gilmour, Midland College

• Sondra Beedie Richards, Midland College