The Use of Breakout Groups as a Active Learning Strategy in a Large Undergraduate

Nutrition Classroom

Dr. Genevieve Newton

NUTR/FOOD 4090

Location: War Mem Hall

Schedule: Tues/Thurs 1-2:20pm

Timetable

• 6 weeks: 2 lectures per week, with in class midterm = 11 lectures

• 3 guest lectures for continuity with 2nd half of course• 4 breakout groups in total

– 10 minutes working in small groups IN CLASS followed by large group discussions

– Large group discussions have ranged from 10-20 min, depending on level of participation

– Breakout groups timed to coincide either with end of modules or completion of more challenging concepts, with the goal of integrating ideas and solidifying learning

Breakout Group Example #1

Breakout Group Example #2

Midterm Survey

Preliminary Midterm Survey Results

Feedback - Advantages

• Helped summarize and apply lecture material• Illustrates the big picture• Makes class more interesting/breaks up class• Interaction with peers/hearing other opinions• Helps prepare for exams – easy to study from,

forced studying in class, reduced study load come midterm

• Forces you to engage in class• Class discussion afterwards very helpful

Feedback - Disadvantages

• Awkward room to move around in• Some people not willing to participate • Students sitting spaced out• Sitting with friends encourages conversation• Sometimes not enough time/ too much time

spent on them • Hard to hear during large group discussions• Class size too large – would be better with

smaller group

Specific Feedback

End of Semester Survey

Preliminary Midterm Survey Results

Midterm Final

Future Direction• More direct questions/less questions in each

breakout group• Keep 4 breakout groups in 6 weeks• Give people directions to get up and form

group• Hand in summary of ideas at completion of

class for participation marks• Slightly longer (15min instead of 10min)• Repeat student ideas during large group

discussion

Where We Are Now – Data Analysis

• Non-parametric analysis trying to determine if there is an effect of:

• gender• GPA• year of study• program of study

• Hope to have these results available soon• Due to the consistency of the results, may not

find out as much as intended