Idea Bank- Applied Learning Techniques

1. Problems and Solutions in Applied Learning: includes information for addressing time constraints, student evaluations, and expectations.

2. Group DIS: Using a directed independent study model on a larger scale in the laboratory and in a colloquium setting.

3. Your Courses, Your Materials: Finding Opportunities for Applied Learning: sample syllabi and assessment rubrics for incorporating Applied Learning experiences into your classes, Bloom's taxonomy into coursework, using the DEAL model for critical reflection, creating reflective projects and internship experiences.
4. Intention and Reflection: Learn more about the benefits of these practices, as well as ideas for how to incorporate these techniques into your classes, internships, and coursework.
5. Mini-cases/case study/scenarios/simulations/role playing: These techniques provide an analysis of a particular problem, scenario or controversy that is either real or invented. In turn, these are used as a basis for the application of knowledge or for drawing conclusions in similar situations.
   • At UNCW: The Education department's "poverty simulation;" trials put on within History Department courses; UNI/Honors courses' "dream job" assignments; the Biology department has students diagnose case-studies; The nursing department's Community Health "Home Visit " simulation in which nursing students make a home visit in a simulated apartment with a client played by a real person; The Social Work department's "Hunger Banquet" in which students are taught about poverty, hunger and injustice (The meals represent different income levels. High-income earners eat well, dining on lasagna and wine. Low-income earners sit on the floor with no meal at all. Guest speakers talk about how the students can join the worldwide fight against poverty);
   • At other universities: UNC's Global Public Health department's case study on John Snow and the cholera outbreak; UNC's MBA students have the opportunity to participate in managerial and leadership simulations; UNC's school of medicine offers Clinical Reasoning role-playing
6. Debates/discussions: A formal discussion in which an issue or topic is approached from two completely opposite points of view.
   • At UNCW: The Louisa May Alcott Book Discussion; The Synergy Common Reading Discussion; Example grading rubric for class discussions
   • At other universities: The use of web-based discussion forums
7. Microthemes/student teaching: Have students produce a short writing assignment in which they must invest significantly more study time and then turn this assignment into a class presentation.
   • At UNCW: The School of Education's Educational Laboratory
   • At other universities: UNC's School of Education requires extensive fieldwork at public schools
8. Problem-based learning: "How To" problem: The instructor poses a current problem or issue to the class within the relevant field of study and then gives the group time to explore solutions as well as the associated pros and cons of each.
   • At UNCW: Directed Individual Study (DIS), with many departments having their own version (e.g., English and History); the Biology department has students diagnose case-studies
   • At other universities: Examples of how to teach math in a problem-centered classroom
9. Service learning/ student fieldwork: These include opportunities that are available outside the classroom that offers a link between community service and academic study.
   • At UNCW: The Education department's "poverty simulation"; the Creative Writing department's Publishing Lab, Writers in Action programs, and the Young Writers' Workshop; and additional student fieldwork opportunities; CSURF's workshops promoting undergraduate research involvement; the Geology (GLY) 132 class' trip to the Waccamaw Formation quarry; GLY 132 and GGY/GLY 495 service learning activity; Nursing Department's Youth Health Summit, educational puppet shows at HEADSTART, education programs at Good Sheppard Homeless Shelter, education programs for seniors attending the Congregate Meals Program at the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center as well as delivering meals to elderly in the community, education programs for Wilmington Housing Authority residents at Soloman Towers neighborhood, education program for inmates at Pender County Correctional Facility, staffing and education at the Cape Fear Health Net free clinic;
   • At other universities: UNC's Institute for the Environment's course on Coral Reef Ecology and Management; UNC's Institute for the Environment's Research Project course
10. Student creative construction: Based on a set of criteria which are determined by the instructor, the students develop a creative project in order to reflectively approach classroom topics or themes.
    • At UNCW: The Paul E. Hosier Undergraduate Research and Creativity Fellowship Competition; The Center for Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowship (CSURF) offers a wide range of opportunities for undergraduates to present research posters at symposiums and conferences; Nursing Department-Brenda Pavil's Joint Project with Peds and Community Nursing students
    • At other universities: UNC's Department of Dramatic Art Costume Production
11. Professional engagement: Participating in events specifically relating to the students' desired career path.
    • At UNCW: The Film Studies department's "Film Matters" publication; the Creative Writing department's journals "Ecotone," and "Chautauqua;" Geology (GLY) 337 Invertebrate Paleontology team research projects
    • At other universities: NC State's literary and art magazine "Windhover"

12. Applied Learning Gallery

    The Applied Learning Gallery showcases examples of projects that have already been done.