Using research to activate university teacher training

Abstract

In this debate paper the authors report on a project aimed at making selected data from research more quickly available to engineering educators. The educators involved are participants in pedagogical courses that they have undertaken to improve their teaching. During a workshop on group learning the educators, who come from various departments at a technical university in Sweden, are shown videotaped excerpts of a group of physics students solving a mechanics problem concerning force and friction. By using a Socratic approach the faculty members are encouraged to confront issues involved in small group work and discuss ways in which the benefits of group work can be maximised.