Enhance Active Learning and Research Competence among Undergraduate Students

Four of the 13 weeks of the course “Children as consumers: Marketing to the youth” were designed for the flipped classroom. Teaching materials, including articles, videos, discussions, and quizzes were developed for the FutureLearn platform. Most students spend one to two hours self-studying the online materials before coming to the class. Three blended learning assignments and a group research project were developed. The research project required students to work in groups to conduct interviews with children studying in elementary schools, Grades 4 to 6, using a drawing methodology about the perception of an average intelligent versus a very intelligent child. Students were asked to conduct qualitative data analysis and employed the results to design a half-day educational event for teachers and parents that addresses the emotional and social needs of gifted children. In the last week, students presented the research findings. Our partner Dr. Luisa Agante attended the students’ presentation through a Skype session. Students’ feedback indicated that they were able to understand most of the online materials. They found the blended-learning assignments and group projects relevant and insightful.