By Doug Ward The Nobel laureate Carl Wieman tells BVA members that nearly all college faculty members want to teach well but that few have both the pedagogical background to make their classes more student-centered and the incentive to do so. He shares his experiences in transforming STEM courses through his Science Education Initiative. Read article … [Read more...]
Author: Brita Harrison
Higher education’s tarnished image
By Doug Ward We face an enormous challenge in explaining the value of higher education to cash-strapped students and parents, and to legislators who increasingly see education as a means to a very specific end, not as a process of mental development. Read article … [Read more...]
Why change our approach to teaching?
By Doug Ward A University of Kansas geology professor moves away from a "fire-hose approach" to lecturing and transforms a large lecture class into a format that helps students learn core skills through hands-on activities. Read article … [Read more...]
Moving active learning beyond “lady, you’re crazy”
By Doug Ward Students in an undergraduate paleontology class for non-majors find that a hands-on approach to learning serves them well. Read article … [Read more...]
Education is changing. When will faculty catch up?
By Doug Ward Two recent surveys help illustrate the barriers that block much-needed changes in teaching, learning and course design at colleges and universities. Read article … [Read more...]
Some radical, and not so radical, ideas for improving education
By Doug Ward Colleges and universities need to take old-fashioned barn-raising approach to addressing problems in teaching and learning. By joining our forces and applying our expertise, we can create something that none of us could accomplish individually. And yet, to effect change we need individuals to step up and join the community. Read article … [Read more...]