Active learning can be broadly defined as engaging students in the process of learning through activities and discussion in class, as opposed to passive listening to an expert. Classes that incorporate small-group activities have been shown to improve student performance, lower failure rates, increase attendance and participation, and promote critical thinking. However, a common challenge for instructors with large class sizes is to provide assistance to students while implementing collaborative activities. The use of teaching assistants (TAs) has the potential to benefit student learning and provide the necessary support to the instructor. A simple training program for TAs aimed at developing skills for facilitation of active learning exercises will be described. The results of a study examining the quantity and quality of TA-student interactions in a large, technology-enhanced, active learning classroom will be presented.

What is the impact of teaching assistants in a large, active learning classroom?

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.