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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Follow up Interview from 2016 HIPs Institute Part 2


Ray Dumbleton teaches math in Transitional Studies and participated in the Collaborative Learning strand of last summer’s HIP’s institute.  In his TRS 092 (Basic Math), Professor Dumbleton typically lectured.  Here is his reflection about what he’s learned and tried since the institute.

Last fall I implemented what I learned at the HIPs Institute to completely restructure my class. I lecture 20 minutes to introduce each topic, then students work in small groups to complete and self-correct problems in the book at the end of the section. I go around clarifying things for them as needed. This usually takes up the  remainder of the class period.

Some highlights from my class last fall were that students scored higher on average on each of the chapter tests for the course. They also scored higher on the final exam. The students were more comfortable working with others to improve their math challenges. This created a team atmosphere in the classroom.

My next step with collaborative learning is to choose a different leader for each group during each class. I find that keeping the same groups each time brings out the best in each group. Overall, students are performing much better than they were when the course was taught primarily by lecture (question and answer) technique.

I needed to overcome some students' reluctance to work in groups. Attendance is also a challenge because some group members are not always in class. It has been a rewarding experience. My students are reaping the benefits of my training.

Gena Merliss
Teaching and Creativity Center
03/24/2017