Active and Collaborative Learning in an Undergraduate Sociological Theory Course

In this article, the author describes the use of active and collaborative learning strategies in an undergraduate sociological theory course. A semester-long ethnographic project is the foundation for the course; both individual and group participation contribute to the learning process. Assessment findings indicate that students are able, through application of theoretical concepts to field observations, to connect theory to the "real world'' and see the link between theory and methods. Furthermore, students report that they believe the field experience and group interactions are more beneficial to their learning experience than traditional lecture alone.