References for Just-in-Time Teaching
Definitive Resources
Novak et al., 1999, Just-in-Time Teaching: Blending Active Learning with Web Technology
- The authors explain what Just-in-Time Teaching is, its underlying goals and philosophies, and how to implement it. They also provide an extensive section of tested resource materials that can be used in introductory physics courses with the JiTT approach. Citation and link to publisher's website.
Just-in-Time Teaching (more info) is a comprehensive website that includes discussions on what is JiTT, JiTT goals, resources, adpoters, impact, and a listing of past and future workshops.
The JiTT Digital Library is a digital library of JiTT exercises. It also provides a hosting service for first-time JiTT practitioners; this allows you to post JiTT assignments for your course and retrieve student responses.
Sources of JiTT Exercises for the Geosciences
See our page on Choosing or Constructing Questions for Just-in-Time Teaching.On JiTT in the Geosciences
Baer et al., 2002, Mathpatch - a Just in Time Approach to Teaching Quantitative Skills in Introductory Courses
- This presentation outlines the implementation of Mathpatch, a one-credit course on quantitative skills that can be taken in conjunction with an introductory geology class. This course embodies the principals of Just-in-Time Teaching in that quantitative skills are learned in Mathpatch just-in-time to be used in the geology course. Citation and link to abstract.
de Caprariis et al., 2001, Monitoring the Benefits of Active Learning Exercises in Introductory Survey Courses: An Attempt to Improve the Education of Prospective Public School Teachers
- This article explains changes in student learning initiated by the implementation of active-learning exercises in a traditionally lecture-based geology classroom. Full text.
Grove, 2002, Using Online Homework Assignments to Implement the Learning Cycle in Large Courses for General Education
- This article describes online homework assignments, named Virtual Voyages, that were designed to more actively engage students with course material in a large-sized, introductory geoscience course. Abstract.
Linneman and Myers, 2000, Earth Science Test Bank (ESTB): A Student-Focused, Web-based Assessment Mechanism
- This presentation discusses an interactive, web-based, testing and teaching tool developed at the University of Wyoming. The tool, Earth Science Test Bank (ETSB), provides students with a stress-free mode of assessing their understanding of course topics. Citation and link to abstract.
Linneman and Plake, 2006, Searching for the Difference: A Controlled Test of Just-in-Time Teaching for Large Enrollment Introductory Geology Courses
- Researchers at Western Washington Univerisity tested the effectiveness of Just-in-Time Teaching methods in introductory geology courses through an analysis of exam grades and student evaluations. Abstract and link to full text.
On JiTT and Learning
Cashman and Eschenbach, 2003, Using On-Line Quizzes Outside the Classroom to Increase Student Engagement Inside the Classroom
- This paper describes the implementation of JiTT in a large class of introductory environmental engineering and environmental science students.
Gavrin and Novak, 1999, 'What is Physics Good For?' Motivating Students With Online Materials
- This essay addresses motivation and science literacy by fostering inquisitiveness and understanding of various topics in physics, while simultaneously encouraging students to practice writing and use the Web as a resource. Citation and link to full text.
Marrs, 2005, Assessment of JiTT on Student Learning
- The author documents improved student study habits, class preparation, and greater gains in content knowledge in a biology course using JiTT.
Marrs et al., 2003, Web-Based Warm Up Exercises in Just-in-Time Teaching.
- Web-based Warm Up exercises can reveal students' prior knowledge and misconceptions in biology, chemistry, and physics. Citation and description.
Novak and Middendorf, 2004, Just-in-Time Teaching
- This article from the Project Kaleidoscope website describes JiTT, how it works, and the benefits of employing it in your classroom.
Novak and Patterson, 1998, Just-in-Time Teaching: Active Learner Pedagogy With WWW
- This paper presents information on Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) challenges, classrooms, web pages and parts, and assessment. Citation and link to full text.
Novak and Patterson, 2000, The Best of Both Worlds: WWW Enhanced In-Class Instruction
- This paper introduces Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT), a method that strives to implement a more active learning environment than lecture based classes. Citation and link to full text download.
On Learning and Pedagogy
Note: This is not an attempt at a comprehensive list of references on pedagogy; this is just a list of those cited within these webpages!
Angelo and Cross, 1993, Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers
- This book by Thomas Angelo and K. Patricia Cross provides a practical guide to help faculty develop a better understanding of the learning process in their own classrooms and assess the impact of their teaching upon it. The authors offer detailed how-to advice on classroom assessment. Citation and description.
Astin, 1993, What matters in college?: Four critical years revisited
- This book presents the definitive study of how students change and develop in college and how colleges can enhance that development. Based on a study of more than 20,000 students, 25,000 faculty members, and 200 institutions, the book shows how academic programs, faculty, student peer groups, and other variables affect students' college experiences. Description and link to publisher's website.
Bransford et al. (eds.), 2000, How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School
- This summary of educational research stresses that students of all ages 1) come to school with preconceptions about the subjects they are learning that, if not engaged, will interfere with learning, 2) need deep rather than broad knowledge of a subject, and 3) learn differently as novices than they do as intermediate learners becoming experts. Citation and link to publisher's website.
Misconceptions as Barriers to Understanding Science
- This is chapter 4 of Science Teaching Reconsidered: A Handbook, published by the National Academies Press. Topics covered include the role of misconceptions in the learning process, descriptions and examples of some common misconceptions in science, and methods used to identify and break down misconceptions. Citation and link to full text.
The History and Development of JiTT
A Kaleidoscope of Perspectives
- This is the transcript of a Project Kaleidoscope interview with Gregor Novak. Discussion topics include how JiTT was developed and how JiTT uses web-based exercises to foster better personal interaction between students and faculty. Read the interview. (more info)
Rozycki, 1999, Just-in-Time Teaching
- This article discusses the evolution of Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT), a method developed by Gregor Novak and colleagues that incorporates interactive lectures and collaborative recitation. Description and link to full text.
