Large, Inexpensive Models for Large, Student-Centered Classrooms

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Caldwell, J.

Abstract

Hands-on experience with models can help students learn (especially those who are tactile or kinesthetic learners), but how to do this in a large lecture class? Many commercially available models are too small to see, too expensive, or just not quite right for lecture purposes. Furthermore, teaching a large class with just one small model invites very passive learning and lecturing. When used effectively, however, models can transform large lecture classes into highly participatory, hands-on and minds-on events. Various options for building large-scale models will be presented, at a low enough cost that multiple copies can be brought into the classroom. Examples are presented, including photos and activities for (1) organelles and (2) molecules involved in transcription and translation. These examples include ways in which these models have been built into active learning exercises, as well as some preliminary assessment results.

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University of Delaware (2009)