Spring Break
Political science professor takes stab at Next Generation teaching techniques
Candice Bernd
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: NEWS
Students enrolled in Kimi King's political science 1040 classes will not be hearing her usual lecture this week.
The department is experimenting with new, interactive learning styles in the classroom.
The project, called the Next Generation Course Redesign, is planned to last nine years. It is now in its fifth.
NT signed on to the project to transform large-enrollment undergraduate courses by engaging and empowering faculty to begin trying new innovative teaching techniques in the classroom, according to a news release.
The project is part of the Center for Learning Enhancement's Quality Enhancement Plan, which started as a result of the success of the Blended Learning Projects of 2005.
These combined online and classroom learning experiences were designed to enhance students' overall outcome within the then existing fiscal constraints, according to the release.
With grant money from Patrick Pluscht, Jennifer Phillips and Phil Turner of the plan, the course redesign implements moot court simulations as a NextGen series activity in both 1040 classes taught by King, of the political science faculty.
The students take on the roles of justices, petitioners and respondents as they argue the court case of Andrea Sommerville v. Olympus State University, a case involving the use of due process and free speech zones on college campuses - a subject that has sparked recent debate and policy reform at NT.
"It really provides the students with a small liberal arts college opportunity," King said. "It forces the students and faculty to think outside the box."
The project is also a finalist for the Texas Higher Education Star Award, which aims to allow students to choose between classes that do and do not incorporate NextGen activities into the curriculum in the next five years.
"I think it's an interesting idea," said English sophomore Emily Virnau, who plays the role of a justice in King's 8 a.m. class. "It really gives us the chance for hands-on learning."
Psychology and political science senior Adonica Sorrells, a member of NT's Moot Court team, assisted the students with their oral arguments on the case.
"Students will benefit by developing public speaking skills, organizing thought, persuading people and gaining legal research skills," Sorrells said.
The department is experimenting with new, interactive learning styles in the classroom.
The project, called the Next Generation Course Redesign, is planned to last nine years. It is now in its fifth.
NT signed on to the project to transform large-enrollment undergraduate courses by engaging and empowering faculty to begin trying new innovative teaching techniques in the classroom, according to a news release.
The project is part of the Center for Learning Enhancement's Quality Enhancement Plan, which started as a result of the success of the Blended Learning Projects of 2005.
These combined online and classroom learning experiences were designed to enhance students' overall outcome within the then existing fiscal constraints, according to the release.
With grant money from Patrick Pluscht, Jennifer Phillips and Phil Turner of the plan, the course redesign implements moot court simulations as a NextGen series activity in both 1040 classes taught by King, of the political science faculty.
The students take on the roles of justices, petitioners and respondents as they argue the court case of Andrea Sommerville v. Olympus State University, a case involving the use of due process and free speech zones on college campuses - a subject that has sparked recent debate and policy reform at NT.
"It really provides the students with a small liberal arts college opportunity," King said. "It forces the students and faculty to think outside the box."
The project is also a finalist for the Texas Higher Education Star Award, which aims to allow students to choose between classes that do and do not incorporate NextGen activities into the curriculum in the next five years.
"I think it's an interesting idea," said English sophomore Emily Virnau, who plays the role of a justice in King's 8 a.m. class. "It really gives us the chance for hands-on learning."
Psychology and political science senior Adonica Sorrells, a member of NT's Moot Court team, assisted the students with their oral arguments on the case.
"Students will benefit by developing public speaking skills, organizing thought, persuading people and gaining legal research skills," Sorrells said.
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