What does the research say?
This is the second highest level of research validation, corresponding to:
- at least 1 of the "based on" categories
- at least 2 of the "demonstrated to improve" categories
- at least 4 of the "studied using" categories
Research Validation Summary
Based on Research Into:
- theories of how students learn
- student ideas about specific topics
Demonstrated to Improve:
- conceptual understanding
- problem-solving skills
- lab skills
- beliefs and attitudes
- retention of students
- success of underrepresented groups
- performance in subsequent classes
- cycle of research and redevelopment
- student interviews
- classroom observations
- analysis of written work
- research at multiple institutions
- research by multiple groups
- peer-reviewed publication
Research base behind the design of SCALE-UP
SCALE-UP was developed based on extensive research on the effectiveness of integrated learning environments such as Workshop Physics and Studio Physics (Wilson 1994, Hoellwarth et al. 2005), of research-based curricula for small group work in Physics (Meltzer and Thornton 2012) such as Tutorials in Introductory Physics and Context-Rich Problems, and of active learning methods (Johnson et al. 1981, Prince 2004) and social interaction (Astin 1994) in general. Before SCALE-UP, only small classes or recitation sections (typically less than 30 students) used curricula centered around students working in small groups on research-based activities. SCALE-UP was an attempt to "scale up" the successes of small integrated learning environments to classes of up to 100 students.
The structure of SCALE-UP also draws on results from Cooperative Group Problem-solving about how to structure and facilitate students working in small groups (Heller and Hollabaugh 1992), and Johnson, Johnson, and Smith's critical characteristics of successful cooperative learning: Positive interdependence, Individual accountability, Face-to-face interaction, Appropriate use of interpersonal skills, and Regular self-assessment of group functioning.
Research involved in the development of SCALE-UP
Research showing the effectiveness of SCALE-UP
Research on the use of SCALE-UP in different environments
- P. Heller and M. Hollabaugh, Teaching Problem Solving Through Cooperative Grouping. Part 2: Designing Problems and Structuring Groups, Am. J. Phys. 60 (7), 637 (1992).
- D. Meltzer and R. Thornton, Resource Letter ALIP–1: Active-Learning Instruction in Physics, Am. J. Phys. 80 (6), 478 (2012).
- J. Wilson, The CUPLE Physics Studio, Phys. Teach. 32 (9), 518 (1994).