Project RITE
Recipients
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Blogging for Reflection, Retention, and Application of Learning Concepts
Download final report: PDFTrena Paulus
Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology & Counseling, UT KnoxvilleLisa Jahns
Assistant Professor, Nutrition, UT KnoxvilleFinal Report Abstract
We have used the findings as preliminary data in support of our proposal to the National Science Foundation - Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement program. Our proposal title is: "SOAR: Small online argument and reflection groups to promote conceptual change in nutritional science."These pilot study findings have impacted our project plan in our decision to: (1) use the same freely available VOX blog tool, (2) create SOAR group "neighborhoods" of 8-9 students, (3) limit post access only to their neighborhood and the graduate research assistants (GRAs), (4) provide more structure and guidance on how to participate while leaving specific topics up to the students, and (5) have facilitators monitor their discussions to troubleshoot.
Identifying and changing initial misconceptions of nutritional science concepts through explicit reflection and peer interaction through SOAR groups as part of a large lecture course is the overarching goal of this project. By articulating pre-existing knowledge through reflection and providing feedback through conversation with their peers, we hypothesize that student learning will improve. Project goals are (1) to improve student learning of nutritional science concepts and (2) to create a model for effectively integrating SOAR groups into large lecture classes.