Workshop - creating learning opportunities: Building active learning problems to create conceptual conflict for enduring understanding

The term "counter-intuitive" (CI) refers to a problem that appears to have an obvious, simple answer yet displays a behavior opposite to "common sense." By using these puzzles we have been able to demonstrate an ability to create "learning moments" for students. This translated to improved student learning. Essentially these real world application puzzles give students something real to think about and challenge their way of thinking so they more deeply engage in the learning activity. The two major challenges in using these puzzles are: (1) developing robust puzzles that reveal misconceptions and (2) finding colleagues to critically assess the work. During the workshop, you will: (a) experience a CI problem session in an active learning environment so you can personally assess the experience; (b) discuss how you felt about the problems which will help you understand how students feel in a classroom; (c) learn what characterizes a good CI problem; and (d) use a design heuristic in small groups to identify good CI problems for your specialty area. You will take from the workshop the following abilities: (a) to create CI problems, (b) to implement CI problems in your classroom, (c) to plan and reflect on your classroom pedagogy, (d) to assess CI activities, and (e) to join a Virtual College and have several like-minded faculty to discuss issues involved in classroom instruction.