MAINTAINING A SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION FOCUS WHILE BRINGING INTERNATIONAL OCEAN ISSUES INTO THE LARGE CLASSROOM

Geology 206, Oceans and Nations, addresses human interactions with the ocean and interactions among the world's nations in the ocean environment, satisfying the Ball State Global/International Studies requirement. The unique topical focus lends itself well to a classroom focus on small-group discussion and cooperative learning, and we have maintained these course structure essentials as section enrollments have expanded from 20 in the early 1990's to exceed 100 today.

Coverage includes cultural views of the ocean, history of exploration and marine trade, law of the sea, resource conflicts, marine life preservation, freedom for oceanographic research, oceans and climate change, and issues of pollution and waste disposal. Scientific introduction to the marine environment comes mainly through textbook reading, with a few lectures highlighting key ideas and processes. Applied, international issues are introduced via lecture and videos, and elaborated in assigned articles and opinion columns. Students wrestle with the issues in small-group discussion, which occupies 30% of all classroom time, and present issue positions and policy recommendations to the class at large. The group work provides regular hands-on practice integrating scientific understanding with cultural/political/economic considerations, articulating personal viewpoints, and understanding the bases for divergent viewpoints. Students confirm their enlarged experience in these areas via direct surveys and pre/post testing results.

Several factors have been important to success of the course. All discussions are worksheet-supported, encouraging students to meaningfully digest and react to video presentations and assigned readings. A student assistant monitors individual student preparation and basic group dynamics during discussion sessions, leaving the instructor free to circulate among the discussion groups. The groups must frequently represent particular nations in policy discussions, adapting viewpoints to specific cultural and economic circumstances. Discussion material and outcomes, lecture, and text reading (supported by specialized study questions), receive equal test coverage.