Writing in Groups: Developing Assignments for Large Introductory Geology Courses

该项目通过使用 写作小组，在小组中学生一起工作 在整个过程中：1）发展他们的口头和书面 沟通技巧; 2）融入小组经验 3）扩大学生的理解 地质学的本质和方法创新写作 作业和相关的小组活动补充 物理和历史地质学课程的讲座。的 写作作业培养观察力和批判性思维 技能，向学生介绍当今的地质实践， 并培养人们对地质学在社会中的作用的认识。作为 学生们见面互相审阅论文，他们发展自己的 口头和书面沟通能力，学会使用技术 语言精确，讨论解释，并评估 争论教学助理，受过训练的本科地质学 专业，监测小组工作，回应和评估 写短文，参加小组活动。

The project engages students in learning through the use of writing groups, in which small groups of students work together throughout the course to: 1) develop their oral and written communication skills; 2) incorporate small-group experiences into large courses; and 3) expand the students' understanding of the nature and methods of geology. Innovative writing assignments and associated small group activities supplement lectures in Physical and Historical Geology courses. The writing assignments develop observational and critical-thinking skills, introduce students to the practice of geology today, and foster awareness of the role of geology in society. As students meet to review each others' papers, they develop their oral and written communication skills, learn to use technical language precisely, discuss interpretations, and evaluate arguments. Teaching assistants, trained undergraduate geology majors, monitor the group work, respond to and evaluate the short papers and participate in small-group activities.