MAILING LISTS

I did this one term.  The students never worked with each other to
address problems.  Every time they had a question or problem, they would
turn to me for the answer.  It was too easy to do this.

I tried leaving the room when I expected the students to work as a team
so they couldn't ask me to answer every question.  While it had this
effect, it violated their expectations of what I should be doing as a
professor.

I have also done classes of about 10-12 with two teams.  This was
better, but not great.  I have found that when there are three or more
teams there is a huge change in the dynamics of the class as well as the
teams.  The teams start to interact better internally.

Ever since I realized this I have argued for class schedules that will
increase enrollment to at least 15, preferably nearer 25.  Many of my
colleagues find this peculiar, since the mythology is that a smaller
class is better.

This number is very small for straight lecturing, though students expect
it.  I would consider some other active learning techniques for a class
of 8 or smaller. Their may be better techniques to assure readiness and
foster student initiative with such a small group.

Regards,

David Smith

David W. Smith, Ph.D., M.P.H., C.Stat.
Associate Professor, Biostatistics
Fellow, Institute for Health Policy
The University of Texas School of Public Health
San Antonio Branch Campus
voice: (210) 562-5512
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

Can helium filled footballs be kicked farther than air filled balls?

-----Original Message-----
From: Team Learning Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Maureen Jonason
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 8:18 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Just one team?

I am teaching a small class of six students this semester. Will TBL work
with only one team?