Motivating MPA Students to Independently Develop Linkages among Multiple Courses

Measuring Student Preferences for Stimulus-Response (Rote) Learning

“…A reduction in phrases and keywords also makes it increasingly feasible to disentangle the students' understanding of the material from their responses to stimuli and thereby gauge the course's impact on students. The flexibility to creatively address the questions also can be enhanced by encouraging students to integrate into their responses information from other courses (Peters, 2014). This approach not only encourages the synthesis of information from a variety of sources but also suggests there is a range of appropriate methods and perspectives for addressing an issue.…”

“…3, No. 2;2014 stimulus-response learning is demonstrated by comments such as "too much reading inhibits focusing on what's important," "(the) instructor is the most important part," and "why have us read and not use the material." The opposing view is evident in the statements "No we are in college [and] we should expect it," "I think a critical part of graduate education is facilitating and encouraging students to be aware of and, hopefully, enter into the 'research conversation'" and "other readings can provide a different understanding of class topics."…”

“…3, No. 2;2014 percentage of material they read. The figures are then adjusted as to whether they tend to more frequently skim or carefully read the assignments.…”

“…3, No. 2;2014 students for cultivating their creative and critical thinking skills. The development of these skills maximizes the probability of producing graduates with enhanced creative, critical thinking, and life-long learning skills.…”

“…3, No. 2;2014 wording and phrasing of course materials and exam questions, minimize the uncertainty of what is expected and thereby maximize the probability of achieving the preferred grade. Several students note "that way you know what the professor wants and you'll get a better grade," "without instructions it is very hard to understand what is expected of us and to meet those expectations," "all instructors have different expectations, therefore I believe they should provide some instruction for what they want," "(instructions should) depend on how they grade.…”