Engaged Learning Groups: Building Community While Learning About Energy

跨学科：99一项名为参与式学习小组(ELG)的课程创新为期5年的试验正在进行中。ELG在几个方面与传统课程不同：ELG学生一起住在一个寄宿社区；他们连续四个学期与他们的同龄人在一起；每个ELG都有一个跨学科的学术重点；学生在大学生涯的早期就通过探究性研究项目进行指导。一个特别的ELG重点关注能源及其相关的社会、政治、环境和经济联系。该项目通过购买设备(一个模型汽轮机、燃料电池演示器、替代能源设备和水源热泵)以及支持深入评估学习成果来支持能源学习小组。其中，我们确定这一创新是否会提高能源知识，并理解能源在生活的各个领域所起的作用，包括政府、环境和经济。如果对ELG概念的评估显示出相对于传统课程结构的改进，它将被输出到其他住宿校园环境。该项目在招募女性方面也取得了成功。主要成果和经验通过出版物、会议讨论和互联网传播。

Interdisciplinary: 99A 5-year trial of a curricular innovation termed the Engaged Learning Group (ELG) is underway. ELG is distinct from traditional classes in several respects: ELG students live together in a residential community; they remain with their cohorts for four consecutive semesters; each ELG has an interdisciplinary academic focus; and students are mentored through inquiry-based research projects starting early in their college careers. One particular ELG focuses on the topic of energy, and its associated social, political, environmental and economic connections. This project supports the Energy ELG through the purchase of equipment (a model steam turbine, fuel cell demonstrator, alternative energy equipment and a water-source heat pump) and through support for in-depth assessment of ELG learning outcomes. Among these, we determine whether this innovation leads to increased energy literacy and comprehension of the role energy plays in various spheres of life, including government, the environment and the economy. If assessment of the ELG concept shows improvement over traditional course structures, it will be exported to other residential campus settings. The project is also successful at recruiting women. Key results and experiences are disseminated by publication, conference talks, and the internet.