Author:
Shah Tavseef Mairaj,Jannesarahmadi Sahar,Shokri-Kuehni Salome,Ellinger Dorothea,Brose Andrea,Or Dani,Shokri Nima
Abstract
AbstractWe implemented research-based learning (RBL) as an alternative to traditional frontal classroom lectures and laboratory sessions to impart knowledge on the emerging topic of microplastics in soil to students. The RBL module aimed at studying how microplastics (MPs) affect soil processes. We designed low-cost, small-scale and simple experiments for master’s students in Environmental Engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology. Students reported a clear understanding of concepts underlined by their presentation of the results and enthusiasm towards future exploration for their master’s or doctoral projects evidenced by a number of students carrying out research projects in the same field after finishing the module. The experiments were consequently published as an online learning module with the Hamburg Open Online University, to make them accessible for other students. The recent push in the education sector to include innovative teaching and learning methodologies offers new opportunities for RBL that are practical and replicable learning experiences that foster students’ research and problem-solving skills in areas of chemical, soil physics and environmental engineering fields.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference48 articles.
1. Wessels I, Rueß J, Gess C, Deicke W, Ziegler M. Is research-based learning effective? evidence from a pre–post analysis in the social sciences. Stud High Educ. 2021;46(12):2595–609. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2020.1739014/SUPPL_FILE/CSHE_A_1739014_SM2291.DOCX.
2. Huber L. Warum forschendes Lernen nötig und möglich ist. In: Huber L, Hellmer J, Schneider F, editors. Forschendes Lernen im Studium: aktuelle Konzepte und Erfahrungen. Universitätsverlag Webler; 2009. p. 9–35.
3. Linn MC, Palmer E, Baranger A, Gerard E, Stone E. Education undergraduate research experiences: impacts and opportunities. Science. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1126/SCIENCE.1261757.
4. Lambert C. Pedagogies of participation in higher education: a case for research-based learning. Pedagogy, Culture Soc. 2009;17(3):295–309. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681360903194327.
5. Tohir M, Abidin Z, Dafik D, Hobri H. Students creative thinking skills in solving two dimensional arithmetic series through research-based learning. J Phys: Conf Ser. 2018;1008(1): 012072. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1008/1/012072.