Experiments with various teaching methodologies

A series of experiments with a variety of teaching methodologies was conducted in a number of engineering science classes over a period of 2 years. These experiments included incorporating active learning into the classroom through reduced lecture time and more in-class problem solving by students, assigning open-ended problems with each homework assignment, cooperative learning through team homework assignments, team in-class problems, allowing students to work examinations in pairs, and grading with an absolute standard instead of a mixed absolute/relative standard. Following each experiment, student opinions were surveyed. Students preferred active learning in classes (less lecture) and working assignments in teams. Students had mixed feelings on working exams in pairs. The experiment of using an absolute grading standard convinced the author to continue with the mixed absolute/relative method previously employed.