Content area
Full Text
Introduction
Scholars have found that active learning techniques such as problem-solving exercises and case studies can improve students' retention and understanding of course material (Carr et al., 2015; Chi, 2009; Myers and Jones, 1993; Prince, 2004; Scott et al., 2009). Active learning techniques are often focused on the application of information and, consequently, are frequently used after the student has been exposed to at least some amount of course material.
One active learning technique that can be incorporated at the beginning of a course or module, even before the student has been exposed to any material, is the scavenger hunt. In an academic version of this popular childhood game, students must search for information, resources, or experiences pre-identified by the instructor. Depending on the material being taught, the hunt can be conducted online, in a library, in a department, or even in the community (see, for example, McCain, 2007; Sergist and Nordstrom, 2007; Virgin, 1996).
The focus of this Teaching Tip is scavenger hunts for online resources. We describe two different applications of the technique and then assess what we have found to be the pedagogical benefits.
Variation #1: Investigating the Management of Nonprofit Organizations
The scavenger hunt has been used successfully as the first assignment in an undergraduate, upper division course on the fundamentals of nonprofit management. This version of the scavenger hunt is conducted electronically, appearing on the online learning platform in the form of a quiz. Students open the quiz and are directed to visit specific websites and to retrieve specific information related to material...