Jan 16, 2020

UCI Education Research Initiative (ERI) has a number of exciting opportunities in the coming months. For those interested in learning more about the ERI and joining our mailing list, please visit the ERI website.

ERI January Seminar Speaker

Cynthia FinelliWe are excited to host Cynthia Finelli, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Professor of Education, and Director of Engineering Education Research at the University of Michigan, as our first speaker of 2020.
Seminar: Active learning in the classroom: Overcoming barriers and planning for action
Time and Location: 3:30-4:30 p.m. on January 23 in Engineering Hall 2430 -Colloquia Room
Abstract: There is ample evidence about the positive benefits of active learning and other student-centered teaching, yet the lecture format continues to be the prevailing pedagogy in most undergraduate engineering classrooms. Dr.

  • What barriers inhibit instructor adoption of active learning in undergraduate engineering classes?
  • What are actionable ways to overcome those barriers?
  • Is student resistance to active learning a legitimate concern, and, if so, what can instructors do to lower student resistance?

Professor Finelli will present research findings to answer these questions and will identify strategies for participants to apply the research findings to their own teaching. 

About Cynthia Finelli: As a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Professor of Education, and Director of Engineering Education Research at the University of Michigan, Cynthia’s research areas include increasing faculty adoption of evidence-based instruction, studying the impact of the classroom space on teaching and learning, and using instructional technology to improve student learning and engagement. She founded the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering at the University of Michigan in 2003 and served as its Director for 12 years. Dr. Finelli is a Fellow of the American Society of Engineering Education, Deputy Editor for the Journal of Engineering Education, Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Education, and past chair of the Educational Research and Methods Division of ASEE. She also was a major contributor to AAAS’ recently released report: Levers for Change.

If you are interested in attending the talk or workshop, please RSVP here.

Finelli is engaged in research to answer questions such as:

ERI Mini Grant Sponsors 3D Printing Workshop at Century High School

Students in 3D Printing Workshop
On December 14, Associate Professor in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts Jesse Jackson and MFA Candidate and Pedagogical Fellow Ellen Schafer, along with their class of UCI undergraduates, hosted a 3D printing workshop at Century High School. The workshop offered a hands-on introduction to 3D printing and design techniques. Sponsored by an Education Research Initiative mini grant, the workshop enabled more than 20 Century High students to participate in the event. UCI undergraduates, who designed the activity and served as facilitators, first introduced the history of 3D printing and demonstrated how 3D printing works. Then, Century High students were given the opportunity to design and print keychains and figures to take home. The facilitators circulated around the classroom to provide personalized support throughout the workshop and answer questions about the college experience. With the assistance of ERI postdoc Liz Park, Jesse and Ellen are currently analyzing the effectiveness of the workshop and writing a manuscript regarding the experience. To learn more about their workshop, please visit the following website available in English and Spanish.