Classroom Demonstrations with Multiple Modes: Virtual plus Reality = Enhanced Learning Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • Demonstrations can be very effective at engaging students, generating interest in a topic, and enhancing student learning. Demonstrations can occur at three different stages of a course topic: as an introduction, as a wrap-up and an aid used throughout the class discussion of a topic. A key component to an effective demonstration is active student engagement throughout the entire process. This means students are involved in discussing the purpose of the demo; predicting what will happen during the demo; discussing who developed theories to help us understand what happens during the demo; and comparing observations to predictions, as opposed to simply passively watching a demonstration. This paper presents a model for infusing demonstrations into an engineering science class and the use of this model during a semester. Demonstrations in this class incorporate both software simulation and physical models of dynamic systems. While physical models provide a concrete example, computer simulations allow the exploration of "what-if' scenarios and greater meta-cognitive activities. Assessment includes components from both faculty and students. 2008 IEEE.

name of conference

  • 2008 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference

published proceedings

  • FIE: 2008 IEEE FRONTIERS IN EDUCATION CONFERENCE, VOLS 1-3

author list (cited authors)

  • Barroso, L. R., Morgan, J., & Simpson, N.

citation count

  • 1

complete list of authors

  • Barroso, Luciana R||Morgan, Jim||Simpson, Nancy

publication date

  • January 2008