A Focus on Improving Student Learning in Diverse Groups
In discussions within the "Transitions Group" and at various college events on group work, it has become clear that helping all students work and learn together productively in diverse groups and teams is important for a positive learning climate. From our discussions with students, positive learning and social experiences in groups, in and out of class, are critically important to the success and persistence of under-represented students in science and math.
Find our sponsored events below.
A small group formed in December 2004 to organize and sponsor educational events on this topic. The group consists of: Liz Ciner (Assoc. Dean), Trish Ferrett and Deborah Gross (Chemistry), Fernan Jaramillo and Susan Singer (Biology), and Bill Titus (Physics & Astronomy). This group is organizing events and workshops to help faculty learn more about how to:
- help build and practice team skills in diverse groups
- design and structure tasks and assignments so that groups and teams function in a truly collaborative fashion
- make group and individual expectations clear
- hold students accountable for both their individual contributions and their effectiveness as a team
- define productive and specific roles for team members
Sponsored Events
- May 10-12, 2007 visit by Larry Michealsen, co-author of the book Team-Based Learning. A Transformative Use of Small Groups in College Teaching. We are planning three activities for faculty and staff:
- An LTC event on Thursday May 10, noon-1:30.
- A spring term reading group, co-sponsored with the LTC, that will draw chapters from the book above and possibly other sources.
- A faculty development workshop on Friday evening (May 11) and Saturday morning (May 12), especially targeted for issues that have arisen in the sciences and the Transitions Group around effective functioning of diverse teams (formal and informal).
- "Group Work in the Science Laboratory". Thursday, May 19, 2005. Mudd 66, noon-1pm with lunch.
Science labs at Carleton are often very collaborative experiences. This includes both formal and informal group work. Come hear four faculty (Phil Camill and Fernan Jaramillo in Biology, Steve Drew and Deborah Gross in Chemistry) talk about various models of group work that they use in their laboratory courses. Discussion to follow. This event is part of a continuing discussion on how to make group work a more positive learning experience for all of our students.
Carleton Students Working in Groups
