From group work to collaboration: A novel course and incentive structure to promote learning communities in a class
Assistant Professor Pavan Kadandale - Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine
UW Host: Colleen Craig

Abstract: Making students work collaboratively on in-class activities is a commonly used pedagogical technique that has shown to improve student outcomes in large classes. However, this kind of group work does not extend beyond the classroom, and rarely lead to the formation of more intentional learning communities. On the other hand, institutions often create learning communities that span multiple classes, allowing for students to work together outside of lecture times. However, these require considerable support from administrative staff, and are generally not feasible for a single instructor to implement. In this talk, I will describe a relatively easy modification of an existing course, and a corresponding incentive system that draws from the lessons of behavioral economics to foster the formation of class-based learning communities. These changes are also readily adaptable to teaching online, providing another tool to improve student engagement when teaching remotely. Finally, I will show that these class learning communities improve student learning, and that they disproportionately benefit minoritized students and lower-achieving students.