The Social Learning Network: Advancing Student Learning in the Social Sciences using Peer Instruction, You Don't Get to Subject-Matter Understanding Without Making a Few Friends First

How can I help my students learn in ways that pique their interest and enrich their subject matter understanding? In this Colloquium, we will explore this perennial question by considering an innovative, research-based teaching method called Peer Instruction (PI). Originally developed by Eric Mazur to address major gaps in students' conceptual knowledge of physics at Harvard University, this interactive pedagogical method is now widely used in classrooms at hundreds of institutions across the world. PI leverages the power of social learning and the latest advances in instructional technology to confront students' misconceptions and activate their minds while providing instant feedback to faculty. We will discuss the research supporting PI and the Next Generation of PI--a new, highly-advanced social learning system we are currently piloting in the Mazur Group. Among other things, after this presentation, participants will be prepared to begin creating a social learning network in a psychology classroom, use a "clicker" or an audience response card, and locate resources for introducing PI into their own teaching practice.