No Lectures, no exams, and no graded homework - but you will learn much more...
In-Class Activities - A celebration of failure on the route to mastery:
We will present concepts, derivations, demonstrations, and examples, that were traditionally delivered during lecture, via LearningCatalytics. In all cases, students will first answer the question by themselves and then spend time discussing it with their groups and answering again. This is the essence of Peer Instruction. These answers will not be graded, but the students can review the questions later.
The in-class portion of the class is one of the most fun aspects of the course. This is where “you” actually learn by doing. We are going to be focussing on activities that will challenge you to make assumptions, build models, and then apply it. It makes little sense to have you memorize algorithms. Instead, you will create the algorithms with your groups. All activities will be performed on the white boards so that the instructional staff can quickly tell which groups need help and which groups are getting it. We may ask those groups that find creative solutions to help other groups.
You will also find that using a whiteboard will actually help you learn because you end up learning how to communicate by drawing - a critical skill in engineering. You do NOT have to be a great drawer. Simple diagrams, shapes, equations, vectors, etc. are all that are needed.
To get started with LearningCatalytics, read the instructions for purchasing an account for $12.00. All students must purchase an account. We will use LC just about every day our class meets and also for the Readiness Assurance Assessments (which are 25% of the grade). Click here for instructions.
We will present concepts, derivations, demonstrations, and examples, that were traditionally delivered during lecture, via LearningCatalytics. In all cases, students will first answer the question by themselves and then spend time discussing it with their groups and answering again. This is the essence of Peer Instruction. These answers will not be graded, but the students can review the questions later.
The in-class portion of the class is one of the most fun aspects of the course. This is where “you” actually learn by doing. We are going to be focussing on activities that will challenge you to make assumptions, build models, and then apply it. It makes little sense to have you memorize algorithms. Instead, you will create the algorithms with your groups. All activities will be performed on the white boards so that the instructional staff can quickly tell which groups need help and which groups are getting it. We may ask those groups that find creative solutions to help other groups.
You will also find that using a whiteboard will actually help you learn because you end up learning how to communicate by drawing - a critical skill in engineering. You do NOT have to be a great drawer. Simple diagrams, shapes, equations, vectors, etc. are all that are needed.
To get started with LearningCatalytics, read the instructions for purchasing an account for $12.00. All students must purchase an account. We will use LC just about every day our class meets and also for the Readiness Assurance Assessments (which are 25% of the grade). Click here for instructions.
MSE 220 Fall 2015