Active learning + intrinsic motivation, working in collaboration, create a perfect environment for deep learning and student engagement. You do not need to be a seasoned instructor to create this environment in your classroom. However, it does take planning, alignment to your course objectives and your willingness to develop your own teaching skills to ensure that meaningful learning is happening in your classroom. Barkley (2010) penned an excellent resource for new and seasoned faculty titled Student Engagement Techniques.
Barkley (2010) provided some tips and strategies that can be implemented on your first day of teaching and throughout. Two of my favourites that we used in PIDP 3250 included the following:
Jigsaw (p. 289) – students work in small groups and become experts on a specific topic. The students who have significant knowledge about their topic divide up and teach the topic to other student groups. All of the groups take turns teaching the other groups. This exercise could work well in trades classrooms. Typically there is a significant amount of material to review and this strategy will allow the students to assimilate the information over a shorter period of time. I would also suggest that each group will also be responsible to provide the other students with notes that capture the important details regarding their topic.
http://ellassessment.wdfiles.com/local–files/strategy-cards/jigsaw.gif
Think-Aloud-Pair-Problem Solving (p. 259) – Using TAPPS methods, one student is the problem solver and the other is the listener who follows the steps spoken aloud by the problem solver, understands the process, and adds any other suggestions or steps if needed. This strategy works well for trades students and can also incorporate the “see one, do one, teach one” framework.
