SoTL Commons Conference Presenters
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Teaching and Learning Solutions to Problems Impacting on Student Learning in Large First Year Classes [pr-1]
Sara O'Sullivan (University College Dublin): sara.osullivan@ucd.ie
This session reports on an enhancement project in the school of sociology (1st year class sizes 450-500). The project involved a redesign of seminars; the starting point was a desire to support student learning. The changes to seminars and student behaviour will be described and key findings from student evaluations undertaken at the end of the first semester will be presented (N=298). The impact of the project on student learning will be examined. The challenges of engaging students in large classes where a range of different orientations to learning co-exist will be addressed. The objectives of this session will be (a) to provide a forum for participants to critically reflect on the nature of the connection between student attendance, engagement and learning; (b) to discuss some of the difficulties balancing different learning outcomes; and (c) to share some of the challenges associated with evidence-based teaching and learning.