Students in Harrison's class benefit from group process After four years of using a traditional lecture format, Elizabeth Harrison developed a way to allow students to actively participate in class while retaining more information. Harrison, adjunct associate professor of East Asian Studies, uses a laptop computer and class web site to promote active learning and change the way students interact with each other in the classroom. On the first day of class, students are assigned a group of seven or eight members. The groups are designed to include a mix of former students, East Asian and religious studies majors. A student who serves as a technological troubleshooter for others is assigned to each group.
Students sit with their groups during class and work together throughout the semester.
Each group is expected to discuss class topics and complete in-class writings and assignments. The group work makes up one part of the final grade that is combined with individual work and peer review. Although students are encouraged to rely upon each other to answer questions and trust their own ideas, Harrison serves as a guide to present important issues, clarify debated questions and listen to group conversation. The essential component of Harrison's class session is her laptop computer. She uses PowerPoint daily to reinforce her lectures with slides and images on a large screen.