
Experiential learning methods are increasingly becoming important in higher education as educators strive to provide students with a meaningful education. These techniques foster immersive learning experiences and facilitate effective retention of knowledge. However, many of these methods and related results have seldom been documented. At Florida Gulf Coast University, a teaching focused university, we implemented experiential learning in Soil, Earth, and Environmental Science courses to provide students with immersive educational experiences and practical skills. Our qualitative research study compares the effectiveness of intermittent teaching methods with non-intermittent teaching in a large undergraduate-level Earth Science course. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of experiential learning using intermittent quizzes. Four sections of the same course in Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 with Intermittent teaching and Fall 2017, Spring 2018 & 2019 classes with an average of 30 to 60 students per class were evaluated utilizing Canvas for automated grading. We employed a comparative study design, assigning students to either an experiential learning or review group to determine the influence of experiential learning on content knowledge retention. Summative assessment scores were evaluated and content-related performance between the groups were assessed. We hypothesize that intermittent quizzing would significantly improve performance. Preliminary results indicated approximately 14% increased grades for students exposed to intermittent teaching methods. Students felt topic-related quick quizzes were a better way to learn concepts. Intermittent quizzes utilized in two Fall 2023 courses maintained exceptional grades on final exams. Recommendations for future studies include replicating the study with adjustments and repeating it with two introductory courses simultaneously. Future studies should replicate and expand this research, possibly employing more interactive platforms like IF AT (Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique) or Kahoot. Furthermore, educators are encouraged to incorporate experiential learning to complement conventional lectures, fostering interactive practical skill development.
10135 100 St NW
Edmonton AB T5J 0N7
Canada
Vanaja Kankarla, Florida Gulf Coast University
Mary Abercrombie, Florida Gulf Coast University