1. Bieber et al., NJIT ©2003 1 Using PLA to Liberate Learning (PLA: participatory learning approach) Michael Bieber, Jia Shen, Dezhi Wu, Vikas Achhpiliya Information Systems Department College of Computing Sciences New Jersey Institute of Technology http://web.njit.edu/~bieber November 2003

2. Bieber et al., NJIT ©2003 2 Motivation To increase learning Learning through active engagement –involve students as active participants –with the full problem life-cycle –through peer evaluation

3. Bieber et al., NJIT ©2003 3 PLA Process Each student creates 2 exam problems Instructor edits the problems if necessary Each student solves 2 problems Students evaluate (grade) the solutions to the problems they authored, writing detailed justifications Ph.D. students evaluate each problem a second time Instructor gives a final grade optional: Students can dispute their solution’s grade, by evaluating it themselves and writing detailed justifications Instructor resolves the dispute All entries posted on-line

4. Bieber et al., NJIT ©2003 4

5. 5 Experimental Evaluation Students: Felt they learned from the process Enjoyed the process Recommended it for future courses