Speed Partnering, VoiceThread, Peer Eval

This week, we would like to share research from the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Ed entitled “A Multifaceted Partner Presentation Assignment for Improving Educational Outcomes” by authors Claire Wood & Daniel Perlman from the University of North Carolina. I would like to thank Assistant Professor Dr. Makeba Jones for joining me on the podcast.

The article revisits foundational work on teaching in higher ed by Chickering & Gamson(1989). The authors share updates on speed partnering, Voice Thread and peer evaluations. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected at a large public university with about 18,000 students, classified as a high research activity institution. The results showed that their approach to active learning created student enthusiasm and engagement in the material; enhanced learning; and fostered peer relations. Substantial research supports that collaboration is grounded in sound pedagogical principles. The authors added elements to (a) enhance students’ information technology skills; (b) engage students in critical evaluation of peers; and (c) introduce a free technology that can be used for other purposes.