Course: G131 Oceans and our Global Environment

Author: Brassell, Simon
School: Indiana University - Bloomington
Department/Program: Geological Sciences
Sub Area/Speciality: Oceanography
Year: 2004

Portfolio Objective/Abstract:

The objectives of this portfolio includes creation of: a. A document that enables external, independent assessment of my teaching in oceanography via the peer review process. b. A comprehensive description and evaluation of innovative measures taken in this course. c. A record of scholarly evidence for teaching excellence and innovation and reflection on pedagogy and approaches to teaching in this specific class. All of these aspects are considered in the context of evidence for class activities that enhance student success and learning outcomes. Moreover, this portfolio encompasses several iterations of this course and therefore presents longitudinal studies of the effectiveness of changes in teaching methods and practices. A separate focused aim of the portfolio is therefore to document selected pedagogical changes in the course and examine evidence of their effect on student learning or accomplishment. The questions addressed by this aspect of this portfolio include: a. Are there specific measures of performance within class assessments that assess critical learning objectives, such as students' abilities to comprehend complex oceanographic concepts? b. Is there any evidence of systematic differences in student accomplishments that reflect the impact of class size on student learning? c. What is the benefit, if any, of awarding partial credit for partially correct answers in multiple-choice questions and who are the beneficiaries? d. Can the impact of class attendance on student accomplishment be assessed without explicit monitoring?

Type of Portfolio: Inquiry
Evidence of Student Learning in the Portfolio: Examples of Student Work

Size of Class: Unknown
Type of Student: Non-Major Only
Level of Course: first-year
Type of Course: General Education

Teaching Environment:
  • Classroom
  • Lab
 Student Activities:
  • Lecture
  • Reading
  • In-Class Group Exercises
 Assessment Approaches:
  • Examination
  • Homework

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