Incorporating student-centered approaches into catchment hydrology teaching: a review and synthesis

Abstract

Abstract. As hydrologists confront the future of water resources on a globalized, resource-scarce and humanimpacted planet, the educational preparation of future generations of water scientists becomes increasingly important. Although hydrology inherits a tradition of teacher-centered direct instruction -based on lecture, reading and assignment formats -a growing body of knowledge derived from engineering education research suggests that modifications to these methods could firstly improve the quality of instruction from a student perspective, and secondly contribute to better professional preparation of hydrologists, in terms of their abilities to transfer knowledge to new contexts, to frame and solve novel problems, and to work collaboratively in uncertain environments. Here we review the theoretical background and empirical literature relating to adopting student-centered and inductive models of teaching and learning. Models of student-centered learning and their applications in engineering education are introduced by outlining the approaches used by several of the authors to introduce student-centered and inductive educational strategies into their university classrooms. Finally, the relative novelty of research on engineering instruction in general and hydrology in particular creates opportunities for new partnerships between education researchers and hydrologists to explore the discipline-specific needs of hydrology students and develop new approaches for instruction and professional preparation of hydrologists.

FIRST Framework Design and Facilitate Active Deep Learner eXperience

“…Wohlfarth et al (2008) stated that in student-centred approach "it seems that students can perceive whether professors inherently trust them, and that they predominantly respond to this trust in a positive way" (p.70). Thompson, Ngambeki, Troch, Sivapalan and Evangelou (2012) suggested that student-centred approaches improve transfer of learning from classroom settings to new situations.…”

An educational model for ensemble streamflow simulation and uncertainty analysis

“…Recent research on engineering and science education suggests that students acquire a better knowledge of hydrological processes and their uncertainties when exposed to novel educational techniques (e.g., student centered methods) as a complement to traditional lecture-driven classes (see Thompson et al, 2012 and references therein). Wagener et al (2010) argue that the changing demands on hydrology offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance hydrology education.…”

“…Thompson et al (2012) review recent theoretical developments in engineering and science education research that are relevant to teaching hydrological processes.…”

An educational model for ensemble streamflow simulation and uncertainty analysis

“…Hydrologic models can be used to teach complex hydrological processes by providing tools for hands-on projectbased learning. Thompson et al (2012) review recent theoretical developments in engineering and science education research that are relevant to teaching hydrological processes.…”