Block Teaching Format A pilot at Acadia University
Block Teaching Format A pilot at Acadia University George Iwama June 2006
Knowledge Content is Growing How do we keep up with this growth through our traditional methods and schedules?
Traditional Teaching Formats Agrarian Calendar: Sept - April 50/90 min lectures Mon Tue Knowledge “core” Wed Thu Choices Fri • Curriculum • Electives • Timetables
An Example Modular, Block Teaching Sept – April, 5 Courses, 50/90 min lectures Traditional Tue Mon Wed Thu Fri STUDENTS: STUDENTS improved learning, team-building TEACHERS: TEACHERS contiguous time for research BLOCK Overarching Reading Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4 Sept – April, 5 Courses, 1 Course at a Time
Institutions that have embraced Block/Modular Teaching o o Colorado College: 20 Years Quest University: 2007
The Pilot at Acadia 2005: Biology Over-arching Reading Course Flora of N. S. Molecular Markers in Ecology Advanced Ecology I Biodiversity Advanced Ecology II 16 third year Biology Students: September – Christmas 2005
The Pilot at Acadia 2005: Biology Benefits o o o Problem solving with peers/ on own Open discussion and team-building No hard time constraints Active learning with professor Learning by doing: it “sticks” Understand how facets fit together Focus on material, far less on marks Builds confidence in self, in learning Interactive teaching style Enthusiastic atmosphere/environment Professors get contiguous time for research
The Pilot at Acadia 2005: Biology Challenges o o o o o Lack of organization/structure Too much time in one classroom Can be expensive Needs new methods of evaluation Traditional space not ideal for Block Change in teaching style High intensity, team environment May be difficult for early years Monitoring and managing “frustration” levels Logistics of delivery
The Pilot at Acadia 2005: Biology Opportunities o o o Involving other disciplines/Faculties Involving real projects under faculty Integration of research and teaching Some disorganization leads to selfdiscovery Not knowing what is coming up next/what to expect (see Challenges)
The Pilot at Acadia 2005: Biology Status o o o Wrap-up workshop held (video available) Will repeat pilot for 2006/07 year Will evaluate for possible expansion after this second pilot
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