Twenty-sixth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” Confucius. Founded in 1971 in San Diego, National University is a private, accredited, nonprofit institution of higher education. The University is dedicated to making lifelong adult learning opportunities accessible, challenging and relevant to a diverse population of adult learners. Institutions of higher education have the obligation of providing for the educational and training needs of students and society, and providing the necessary atmosphere to accomplish the above. Knowledge and understanding of what dynamics and methods best influence student performance can be gained by a framework that includes study or observation of student behaviors and classroom practices. If appropriately constructed and dispensed, relevant skills to include leadership, delegation, team work, team building, creative cooperation can be developed and enhanced by using Group Project based learning modalities even in online classes. While group projects are easier to manage in an on-site class room setting, they tend to become challenging in a online environment. The paper will therefore have implications for the design and implementation of teaching modalities by universities that cater to the adult learning communities. This presentation will expose attendees to tools on how to bridge the gap between helping students feel connected in a online environment while maintaining rigor in the classroom by the usage of group project based learning strategy.