Successful trilogy of geology teaching: computers, guided design, and field work
Although the use of lecture and laboratory methods are used in the Geology department at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, in many instances three other teaching techniques are being combined for more effective learning: computer analysis; guided design; and field studies. The integration of the three techniques make it possible for teachers to simultaneously accomplish two goals: 1) teaching subject matter and 2) developing decision-making skills. Within each method the student is free to inquire, think, and express independent view points. In the introductory courses students are moved to the field in their first week of class where, in an observational setting and by the use of the guided design method, the students develop an initial ability to open their eyes and minds and learn to integrate what they have previously learned in the classroom to a real world setting. The complexity of the problems to be completed increase in difficulty from designing a solar home with the use of computer analysis and guided design in an introductory Earth Science course to such problems as the engineering geology project such as a dam, tunnel or roadway in their Senior level coursework. By the time a degree is earned, the students have learned how to plan, prepare, and collect the essential data in the field so an analysis, often by computer, can be completed. As the three teaching techniques have been used the ability of the students to use their acquired knowledge has increased. This has been substantiated by detailed, on-going surveys.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Colorado, Colorado Springs (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6596610
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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