Student Involvement in Choice of Course Activities and the Impact on Student Experience

Taru Malhotra
Carolyn MacGregor
Richard Li

Project Team

Taru Malhotra, Engineering

Carolyn MacGregor, Engineering

Richard Li, Centre for Teaching Excellence

Project Summary

The theory of student involvement highlights the importance of involving students at physical and psychological levels for better experience and learning (Astin, 1999). While using hands-on instructor-designed activities may increase student participation, such strategies may not always translate to meaningful interactions, meet the needs of all students, or satisfy them (Owston et al., 2019; Malhotra, 2022). Offering choice of learning activities to students may cater to diverse learning styles, increase engagement, and deepen learning (Gay & Betts, 2020).

Thus, this project investigates student experiences (learning, course engagement and satisfaction) and if and how it varies when students are offered choices in their course activities. This student experience is measured in the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 offerings of ExpecTAtions, a teaching assistant (TA) training in the Faculty of Engineering. Findings will help create a professional development workshop for instructors interested in adopting a student involvement strategy.   

References

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