The Use of Breakout Groups as a Active Learning Strategy in a Large Undergraduate Nutrition Classroom Dr. Genevieve Newton

NUTR/FOOD 4090 Location: War Mem Hall Schedule: Tues/Thurs 1-2:20pm Location: War Mem Hall Schedule: Tues/Thurs 1-2:20pm

Timetable 6 weeks: 2 lectures per week, with in class midterm = 11 lectures 3 guest lectures for continuity with 2 nd half of course 4 breakout groups in total – 10 minutes working in small groups IN CLASS followed by large group discussions – Large group discussions have ranged from min, depending on level of participation – Breakout groups timed to coincide either with end of modules or completion of more challenging concepts, with the goal of integrating ideas and solidifying learning

Breakout Group Example #1

Breakout Group Example #2

Midterm Survey

Preliminary Midterm Survey Results

Feedback - Advantages Helped summarize and apply lecture material Illustrates the big picture Makes class more interesting/breaks up class Interaction with peers/hearing other opinions Helps prepare for exams – easy to study from, forced studying in class, reduced study load come midterm Forces you to engage in class Class discussion afterwards very helpful

Feedback - Disadvantages Awkward room to move around in Some people not willing to participate Students sitting spaced out Sitting with friends encourages conversation Sometimes not enough time/ too much time spent on them Hard to hear during large group discussions Class size too large – would be better with smaller group

Specific Feedback

End of Semester Survey

Preliminary Midterm Survey Results

MidtermFinal

Future Direction More direct questions/less questions in each breakout group Keep 4 breakout groups in 6 weeks Give people directions to get up and form group Hand in summary of ideas at completion of class for participation marks Slightly longer (15min instead of 10min) Repeat student ideas during large group discussion

Where We Are Now – Data Analysis Non-parametric analysis trying to determine if there is an effect of: gender GPA year of study program of study Hope to have these results available soon Due to the consistency of the results, may not find out as much as intended