Thank you for your interest! We are faculty members in the Health Sciences program at IUPUI and are conducting a research study on the impact of a learning strategies interventions for students enrolled in First Year Seminar courses. While we are primarily focused on First Year Seminar courses, other instructors teaching entry level courses are encouraged and welcomed!
The study focuses on teaching metacognitive study strategies (McGuire, 2015; Steiner et al., 2019) to help incoming students transition to college. In this project, students use the proposed strategies to study for an exam in a different course (e.g., math, chemistry, psychology, etc.) with the intent of improving outcomes on the chosen exam. Previous feedback from students indicate they find the strategies very helpful in developing new study habits.
For those faculty who wish to participate, there are two options for participation: 1) integrate the project into your fall course, with attendance at the opening workshop and follow up luncheons; or 2) be part of a control group and administer two surveys (pre- and post-) during the semester.
For those interested in using the project, we are offering a four-hour workshop, hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning, on August 6th. During the workshop, participants will learn about the metacognitive strategies, self-regulation, the project (assignment) itself, and interact with other faculty interested in helping students succeed. A mid- and end of semester luncheon will also be held to check in with participating faculty. Lunch will be provided at each of the three workshops.
Based on recent conversations concerning dossier submissions and diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI), time will also be spent discussing how this project integrates with the university strategic initiative of integrating these components into instruction and assessment.
If interested in participating, or if you have additional questions, please contact Kathy Berlin or Heaven Hollender (links below) by July 23, 2021. We look forward to working with you!
References: 1) McGuire, S.Y. (2015). Teach students how to learn: Strategies you can incorporate into any course to improve student metacognition, study skills, and motivation. Virginia: Stylus Publishing. 2) Steiner, H.H., Trivedi, N.H., & Brown, J.A. (2019). Bringing a learning strategies project to scale in a first-year seminar. Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education, 1(2), 27-44.