Rediscovering Geologic Principles by Collaborative Learning

An alternative means of teaching about the methods and principles of geology is creating opportunities for collaborative learning, whereby students are assigned to consulting firms and instructed to evaluate an erosion problem. The method teaches about observation, logic, argumentative discourse, cooperation, and interpretation of geologic processes. Students “rediscover” basic geologic principles by working on a concrete, field-based environmental problem. In this teaching mode, the instructor is an informed facilitator who poses questions that students address cooperatively. The result is a powerful, meaningful educational activity that promotes self-learning and self-assurance among participants.