Active Learning in Lecture-Based Classes: "Discipleship Survivor" as a Case Study

Abstract

The project included researching the pedagogy behind Prof. Ascough's "Discipleship Survivor" activity in RELS 214, and its effects on student learning. Each week, students were asked to nominate and vote disciples of Jesus to be removed from a toy boat. I wanted to know why this activity generated so much interest, and how it fits in to active learning pedagogies. Four sources were used to gather data: recordings of in-class discussion, USATs, interviews, and analysis of a Facebook messenger group that had taken place between 20 students. The outcome of the project was a co-written paper, which is currently under peer-review to be published.