University pioneers teaching method

BY CATHERINE CHANG
Staff Reporter

Deborah Allen, an assistant professor of biological sciences who uses the technique, said it consists of active and collaborative learning, in which the students are actively involved and work together.

Usually, classes are broken down into groups of four or five students, with an undergraduate tutor to facilitate, she said.

Each group is given the same problem to solve independently so students will direct questions to each other instead of the professor.

Harold B. White III, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said, "When you're in a group you have responsibilities that you don't have in lecture hall classes."

White said students in these classes also have a sense of greater obligation to come to class. More than 96 percent of the students showed up for his 8 a.m. class last semester, he said.

The response from students has been positive in other classes as well.

Sophomore Dan Dries said, "You get to explore in greater detail and better understand the concepts and topics we're covering."

The class is also rewarding for the undergraduate tutors who help facilitate discussions.

Jennifer Hess, a senior biology major who has been tutoring in Allen's classes for two years, said she enjoys the method.

"I help them with their daily group progress by leading discussions and making sure everyone understands and participates," she said.

Junior Deepak Pradhan, who has been tutoring for a year, said problem-based learning is effective because it is student-oriented.

"It's teaching without really teaching," Pradhan said. "It's great to see the learning process."

Many schools across the country are beginning to implement this new technique.