The+Buffet+Model

Based on the information found at the following link, please summarize the main points of the Buffet Model for course design.

http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0352.pdf

The "right way" to teach individual students varies by the student population. A variety, or a "buffet" of interchangeable paths to reaching the class objectives shows that students succeed at a much higher rate than by using a "one size fits all" style of teaching. Students determine their best way of learning and then choose the learning tasks that fit them individually. This requires that the teacher(s) creates multiple learning tasks, each with the same learning outcome, that use varying vehicles to showcase student learning.

In one course, students progress was monitored by course software that tracked each student's progress. This program was able to suggest alternative learning strategies for each student based on their individual __#|success__ in the class.

Research (Florida Gulf Coast University) showed that students that did not attend any live learning experiences scored higher in their course. Scores in a fully implemented redesigned course averaged 85% vs 70% using standardized exams in a traditional course. And, grades of D & F went from 45% to 11% using the buffet model for learning.

This method would certainly require significant upfront work, but much of this required upfront work could not fully be completed until the teacher had an accurate grasp of student needs.