We developed a survey to gauge the students' attitudes and beliefs about learning earth & ocean sciences. Administered in both majors- and non-majors courses early in the term (pre-) and late in the term (post-) to measure the effects of courses on student attitudes. The survey has been administered in >25 courses both at UBC and other institutions. More than 6000 students have participated over the past 2 years. At this time, SAESS has been fully validated by expert responses and student interviews. The survey now consists of 29 statements, which have been grouped in seven categories based on reduced basis factor analysis from student survey responses. The methodology for developing this survey along with preliminary results is in the process of being submitted for publication. Results are summarized in two EOS-SEI Times articles.
Poster (April 2009): Student Attitudes in Earth Science Survey - Erin LaneWe developed an objective, quantitative classroom observation protocol to measure student engagement in a large first year Oceanography course. Observation data show that student engagement is strongly correlated to teaching practices and is higher when instructors employ active learning techniques. Observations of three instructors with different teaching expertise showed similar trends in engagement. The classroom observation data help identify best teaching practices and provide continual feedback to instructors.
Poster (April 2009): How does student engagement change with instructional technique? - Erin LaneThis project is aimed at sharing what we learn about the best ways of asking and using student feedback. Evidence-based teaching means searching for ways evaluating how well teaching efforts are helping students learn, AND reacting to what is discovered. As the EOS Science Education Initiative progresses, we are constantly trying to improve the usefulness of feedback requested and received from students.
Poster (July 2009): Design and Use of Midterm and End of Term Student Surveys to Improve Learning - Francis Jones; presented at The International Conference on Improving University Teaching (IUT), Vancouver BC, July 14-17, 2009.An online survey has been developed for graduating 4th year EOS students from all streams. The exit survey will provide us with student perspectives on the EOS academic program, career goals and curriculum recommendations. This information will help us improve our program structure, content, and courses. The survey was initiated in April 2009 and administered annually since then. Future considerations may include an alumni survey.
