Abstract
Inspired by the AAHE Assessment Forum’s Principles for good practice for
assessing students’ learning, the author has generated Ten Steps (1992)
to Promote a Stronger Emphasis on Student Learning in a Hydrology–Fluid
Mechanics Course. Student-Learning must not be focused only about making
the connections initially. Instead it should concentrate more about
maintaining those connections in the long run. Student learning is
fundamentally about a strong bond between the academic establishment and
the student citizens of the entire community. Student-Learning is
enhanced by the environment. It should take place in the context of a
compelling situation that balances curiosity, challenge and opportunity.
Student-Learning should have an active search for meaning by the learner
– constructing knowledge rather than passively delivering it or
receiving it. In other words one should create a Concept Mapping Model
instead of a Structured Content Model. Student-Learning is
developmental. In other words, it is a cumulative process involving the
whole person, who is capable of integrating the new with the old. The
settings, the surroundings, the influences of others contribute to
successful accomplishments. Student-Learning should be viewed as an
effort promoted by individuals who are intrinsically tied to others as
social beings, actually interacting as collaborators. Student-Learning
is strongly influenced by the educational climate in which learning
achievements takes place. Student-Learning requires Action,
Communication, Ownership, Reflection and Nurture (ACORN) as suggested by
Hawkins and Winter (1997). Student-Learning in reality aims at an
educational experience that takes place informally and incidentally,
beyond explicit teaching in the lecture hall. Student-Learning is
grounded in particular contexts and individual experiences, requiring
effort to transfer specific knowledge and skills to other citizens.
Student-Learning involves the ability of individuals not only to monitor
their own learning, but also be able to enhance learning through
collaboration and cooperation. References: Hawkins, P., & Winter, J.
(1997). Mastering change: Learning the lessons of the enterprise in
higher education initiative. London: Department for Education and
Employment.