Active and Collaborative Learning (ACL)

What does NSSE have to say about Active and Collaborative Learning (ACL)?

"Students learn more when they are intensely involved in their education and asked to think about what they are learning in different settings. Collaborating with others in solving problems or mastering difficult material prepares students for the messy, unscripted problems they will encounter during daily during life and after college."

• Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions
• Made a class presentation
• Worked with other students on projects during class
• Worked with classmates outside of class to prepare class assignments
• Tutored or taught other students
• Participated in a community-based project as part of a regular course
• Discussed ideas from readings or classes with others outside of class (students, family members, co-workers, etc.)

How can Wofford improve by examining these results?

The institution is committed to using NSSE data to improve the overall education experience of students, not just to pat itself on the back. Here are a few things the college has learned (or decided to investigate further) based results from the individual questions that comprise the ACL index.

• Wofford seniors showed a dramatic increase in the level of active and collaborative learning from first-year students. The institution is very interested in trying to replicate the experiences/practices of seniors earlier in a students’ four-year stay at Wofford.
  
  
• Wofford first-year students and seniors stated that they “often” discussed ideas from readings or classes with others from outside of class (students, family members, etc.).
  
  
• Wofford first-year students and seniors stated that they regularly asked questions in class or contributed to class discussion.
  
  
• Wofford seniors often make classroom presentations while first-year students stated that they “sometimes’ make classroom presentations. The college is interested in investigating this difference and finding ways to increase opportunities for first-year students.