Using Interactive Teaching Techniques in the Synoptic Meteorology Classroom: Getting Students Involved

The traditional college classroom paradigm is transitioning from one where the instructor lectures to students for the entire class time, to one where students are more actively involved in the educational pursuits. This presentation discusses methods I currently use in the classroom to hold student's attention, to get them actively involved in their own learning, and to determine how well the students are following the material being presented. Specifically, use of the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IFAT) will be exemplified and discussed, as will cell-phone polling software, and team-based learning activities. Students are required to study class material prior to lecture, then complete an IFAT quiz (a scratch-off, multiple-choice form where the correct answer is indicated when uncovered) used to assess the students' preparation for that day's lecture material. Based on student performance from the IFAT, questions generated during group discussion, and student responses to polling questions, the professor can tailor that day's lecture material toward concepts that students do not understand, while not spending unnecessary time on concepts the students already know. A typical lecture routine is described, and the role of the teacher will be discussed.