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'Image Credits'] Image Source: Douglas College, 2004. Class Pictures, accessed 12
November 2004.
Gallery Walk:
dedicates time for students to practice discussing, debating, organizing, and writing the
language of earth science rather than just hearing ideas presented by the instructor;
emphasizes the collaborative, constructed nature of knowledge because students work in
teams to synthesize information written from a variety of perspectives (Taylor, 2001); Learn more about cooperative learning
encourages alternative approaches to problems, because students are exposed to a variety of
perspectives posted at different discussion "stations" (Taylor, P. 2001);
reassures students that their voices, ideas, and experiences are valued because students
are more likely to share ideas among a non threatening group of peers (Taylor, P. 2001);
provides an opportunity to gauge prior knowledge, skills, and misconceptions. The existing
conceptual framework of students can be challenged and, if faulty, corrected during the
"report out" phase of the Gallery Walk; Learn more about common student misconceptions
in the earth sciences
promotes team building, fosters debate, and encourages consensus
as students work together to accurately represent group member's ideas at different Gallery
Walk "stations;"
acts as an ice breaker because students need to interact with classmates and the instructor
when debating responses at each Gallery Walk "station"; and
encourages movement around classroom as groups move from "station" to
"station", interrupting the lethargy that sometimes results from being seated for
long periods.