Options
Impact of active learning strategies on year 1 students of Nanyang Polytechnic
Author
Chue, Fong Oi
Supervisor
Crawford, Lachlan
Abstract
Many researchers have commented that tertiary students are dominantly surface learners. They are very dependent on a diet of handouts and notes; rely on the tutors for perfect model solutions. They match their learning approaches with the way they are being assessed and are not motivated.
Feedback from employers has also indicated that our students are lacking in interpersonal, communication and critical thinking skills. This contradicts the aims of tertiary education where students are required to possess critical thinking skills, good interpersonal and communications skills. Hence, these aspects have to be looked into urgently by all tertiary institutions.
Studies have shown that active learning strategies have great impact on students' learning approaches, increased understanding of materials, increased participation and improved performance. These strategies also help in fostering higher order thinking skills in students.
This project incorporated active learning strategies into the delivery of the Statistical Methods for Business Module of Nanyang Polytechnic. It is hoped that with the incorporation of these strategies, the students will increase their interest and motivation in the subject, subsequently showing improvement in performance.
Results of the survey after the implementation of active strategies showed that students are more independent in their learning. Some students even had their learning approaches shifted from surface learners to deep learners. This confirms that learning approaches are not inborn in them and they are acquired through the way the materials are being delivered. Many students also exhibited better interpersonal and communications skills, and team spirit. Most importantly the survey showed that students can be creative and possess higher order thinking skills under suitable learning environments. They expressed the view that the strategies have been beneficial and they enjoyed teamwork more. This is encouraging, satisfying and reaffirms that active learning strategies do promote teamwork and bring about improvement in students' learning skills.
Feedback from employers has also indicated that our students are lacking in interpersonal, communication and critical thinking skills. This contradicts the aims of tertiary education where students are required to possess critical thinking skills, good interpersonal and communications skills. Hence, these aspects have to be looked into urgently by all tertiary institutions.
Studies have shown that active learning strategies have great impact on students' learning approaches, increased understanding of materials, increased participation and improved performance. These strategies also help in fostering higher order thinking skills in students.
This project incorporated active learning strategies into the delivery of the Statistical Methods for Business Module of Nanyang Polytechnic. It is hoped that with the incorporation of these strategies, the students will increase their interest and motivation in the subject, subsequently showing improvement in performance.
Results of the survey after the implementation of active strategies showed that students are more independent in their learning. Some students even had their learning approaches shifted from surface learners to deep learners. This confirms that learning approaches are not inborn in them and they are acquired through the way the materials are being delivered. Many students also exhibited better interpersonal and communications skills, and team spirit. Most importantly the survey showed that students can be creative and possess higher order thinking skills under suitable learning environments. They expressed the view that the strategies have been beneficial and they enjoyed teamwork more. This is encouraging, satisfying and reaffirms that active learning strategies do promote teamwork and bring about improvement in students' learning skills.
Date Issued
1998
Call Number
LB1060 Chu
Date Submitted
1998