Lights, Camera...Sociology! Using Student-Created Video Reflections and Discussions in Introductory Sociology

• In Event: 3532 - Innovative Techniques for Teaching Introductory Courses in Sociology

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the use of student-created video reflections and discussion boards in introductory sociology courses as a means to capture student learning experiences and allow students an opportunity to engage in collaborative learning. Comparison of video reflections and quantitative and qualitative exit survey responses on the effectiveness and experiences of using the video reflections from introductory sociology and the family course is examined. It is concluded that students in both courses found video reflections to be a useful tool in developing their sociological imagination in both courses, and was particularly significant for the introductory sociology students. They found the ability to view and reply to their peers to be equally important to this development. Students also strongly desired the opportunity to communicate and share their reflections with other introductory sociology students in an effort to learn more about their perspectives on the material. Audience members will find this presentation useful insofar as it introduces a novel assignment idea for faculty members to include in their introductory sociology curriculum. Audience members will leave with specific guidelines related to the assignment, including assignment guidelines, exit survey template, and examples of videos, are shared with audience members. Audience members will also learn about problems and solutions learned during the implementation of this assignment among students including lack of ability to create and upload videos and general reluctance to show their likeness through video. In the end, the goal of this presentation is to quickly introduce a teaching method that incorporates technology and pedagogy in a way that enables students to grow their sociological imagination and contribute to the development of this imagination in their peers. Additionally, to invite audience members to share reflections of their students across campuses to illustrate the diversity of opinion in the discipline of sociology.

Author

• Benjamin Mercer Drury, Morton College