Active Learning & Retaining Female Engineering Students

"People learn best by doing things and reflecting on what they have done, not by watching and listening to someone telling them what to do".

A good lecture has the power to instruct, even motivate students, and research shows that lectures paired with active methods of learning get better results. Further, cooperative interactions among students promote gains in almost every conceivable learning outcome and a learning environment particularly congenial to female students. Felder and Brent will describe and illustrate:

• Proven techniques for instructors to fully engage all students, and keep control of large classes and the syllabus
• Research on active learning effectiveness
• Suggestions for countering resistance that might come from students and colleagues