Cooperative learning of neutron diffusion and transport theories
A cooperative group instructional strategy is being used to teach a unit on neutron transport and diffusion theory in a first-year-graduate level, Reactor Theory course that was formerly presented in the traditional lecture/discussion style. Students are divided into groups of two or three for the duration of the unit. Class meetings are divided into traditional lecture/discussion segments punctuated by cooperative group exercises. The group exercises were designed to require the students to elaborate, summarize, or practice the material presented in the lecture/discussion segments. Both positive interdependence and individual accountability are fostered by adjusting individual grades on the unit exam by a factor dependent upon group achievement. Group collaboration was also encouraged on homework assignments by assigning each group a single grade on each assignment. The results of the unit exam have been above average in the two classes in which the cooperative group method was employed. In particular, the problem solving ability of the students has shown particular improvement. Further,the students felt that the cooperative group format was both more educationally effective and more enjoyable than the lecture/discussion format.
- Research Organization:
- Bettis Atomic Power Lab., West Mifflin, PA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC11-98PN38206
- OSTI ID:
- 6271
- Report Number(s):
- B-T-3236; TRN: US0101730
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference, Charlotte, NC (US), 06/20/1999--06/23/1999; Other Information: PBD: 30 Apr 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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