UW Science Initiative
A&S Rm 152A
Department 3254, 1000 E. University
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: 307-766-4447
Email: tspence5@uwyo.edu
Active Learning Pedagogies, when practiced effectively, have shown outcomes that include decreased failure rates and increases in:
Learn more about Active Learning Outcomes
A transformative element of the Science Initiative will be construction of four Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) for core science courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Intended to compliment the new laboratory instructional spaces in the Enzi STEM building, these active learning classrooms will replace the larger theater-style lecture halls with single-level layouts that promote collaborative work among students and instructors during highly interactive and engaging "lecture" sessions.
ALCs are spaces that are student centered, interactive and collaborative, and flexible. They generally feature pods for student group work, writing boards all around the classroom, and a podium that is often centrally located. Using an ALC provides accommodations for different learning styles, reinforcement of concepts and material, practice for collaboration, more immediate feedback, a sense of community within the classroom, and an increase in pass rates. There are currently 5 small-scale ALCs on campus located in the new Enzi STEM building, however none of them are large scale classrooms. The new Science Initiative Facility plans to have 4 ALCs, each one accommodating class sizes of 50, 100, 150, 200 students.
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LAMP is a comprehensive, sustained mentoring and professional development program for STEM educators with an emphasis on how to best adopt active learning strategies in large-scale active learning classrooms at UW. The program includes a competitive fellowship program for faculty and graduate students, on-line resources and training materials, and video tutorials.
UW Science Initiative
A&S Rm 152A
Department 3254, 1000 E. University
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: 307-766-4447
Email: tspence5@uwyo.edu