At Aula, we take an evidence-informed approach to learning design. Specifically, we review the most up-to-date peer-reviewed articles on high-impact ‘flipped’ or technology-enhanced approaches to teaching and learning in specific disciplines, then apply this to the design of our experiences.
Summary
In Social Sciences, the flipped or hybrid learning approach is shown to increase student achievement, satisfaction, and retention (Kurtz et al. 2014, Phillips and Trainor 2014, Prashar 2015, Ravenscroft & Luhanga, 2015, Roach, 2014).
Take 5 minutes to watch a walkthrough of an exemplary Social Sciences space and see this approach in action:
Note
We include the following subjects within this discipline: Anthropology, Economics, Education, Geography, Law, Linguistics, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology.
Our discipline-specific approach to high-engagement learning design will:
- Provide opportunities for students to interact with learning materials asynchronously (Chen, J. and Lin 2012, Wolff & Chan 2016).
Explore core concepts, basic applications, or skill development asynchronously meaning students are more likely to retain information, for example, by previewing and reviewing concepts, summarising the law of case studies, or discussing basic problems or applications - Provide opportunities for individual and collaborative group problem-solving.
Empirical evidence shows that increasing collaboration improves student outcomes (McGoldricik et al. (2010, 65, Yamarik, S., 2007). Activities include teacher-directed questions and answers, short research tasks or problem-solving simulations. - Embed feedback and mastery activities.
Embedding additional opportunities for student-tutor and peer discussion and feedback (e.g. debate, rebuttals and questioning, Q&A) as well as increasing the challenge level of activities throughout the course (e.g. drawing on multiple learning threads) can support student mastery in social science subjects.
Resources
We'd love for you to review the full Social Sciences discipline brief, which includes additional reading that can be used to implement best practices for your discipline within your space(s) on the Aula platform.