Focused Interactive Learning: A Tool For Active Class Discussion

Authors

Helen C. Harton, University of Northern Iowa
Deborah S. Richardson, Florida Atlantic University
Ricardo E. Barreras, City University of New York
Matthew J. Rockloff, University of Nevada, Reno
Bibb Latané, Florida Atlantic University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Teaching of Psychology

Volume

29

Issue

1

First Page

10

Last Page

15

Abstract

Focused Interactive Learning (FIL) is a tool for teaching psychological concepts through student participation in a focused discussion with other class members. Students from 5 upper and lower level psychology courses participated in FIL exercises in which they answered several multiple-choice or opinion questions on their own and then systematically discussed each item for about 2 min with other students before giving a final answer. FIL increased student test performance, helped them get to know other students in the class, and had a small effect on students' self-reported participation and interest in psychology. © 2002, Society for the Teaching of Psychology. All rights reserved.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

1-1-2002

DOI of published version

10.1207/S15328023TOP2901_03

Recommended Citation

Harton, Helen C.; Richardson, Deborah S.; Barreras, Ricardo E.; Rockloff, Matthew J.; and Latané, Bibb, "Focused Interactive Learning: A Tool For Active Class Discussion" (2002). Faculty Publications. 3479.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/3479