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Mark Torres ’05 (Schiphol, Netherlands) conducted research about human learning that involved a student survey and confirmed past findings about the effectiveness of working in groups.
Torres, a double major in international affairs and economics & business, worked alongside Sheila Handy, assistant professor of economics and business, during the fall semester.
“We tried to determine the different techniques by which individuals learn,” says Handy. “More specifically, we asked the question, ‘do students who work in groups have a higher level of achievement than those who work alone?'”
They collaborated through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students assist faculty with research while earning a stipend. The program has helped make Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the more than 160 students who participate in EXCEL each year go on to publish papers in scholarly journals and/or present their research at conferences.
The pair administered the Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory to an accounting class. This 12-item questionnaire helps students rank their individual learning preferences and assess the effects of different techniques of learning.
“It’s been interesting having to gauge individuals and their capabilities,” says Torres. “The project made me realize the four different learning styles and the benefits and downsides of each. It’s interesting to see how this study relates to me and to see what my aptitudes are.”
As part of the research, Torres also honed his statistical skills, an important part of the economics and business major.
Says Handy, “Mark compiled statistics and crunched numbers. He also began to understand the process and uncover insights into his own learning style.”
The results of the study indicated that there was no advantage to students working in groups. This finding was consistent with results published by other researchers, notes Handy.
Working on EXCEL offered Torres the chance to broaden his knowledge as well as work one-on-one with his faculty mentor.
“EXCEL is a great way to get exposure to different topics,” he says.
“Last [spring] I worked with Professor Handy and asked her to be my adviser,” Torres adds. “When she mentioned she was working on this project, I was excited to be a part of it. She is an impressive mentor. She’s given me a lot of guidance and raised a lot of concerns. She has a definite passion about this topic.”
Listing this experience as just one of many positive aspects of his time at Lafayette, Torres encourages students to take advantage of the myriad opportunities at the College.
“Lafayette is an environment where there are a lot of opportunities. It’s up to the student to be active in pursuing them,” he says.
Torres is vice president of the International Students Association, has made Dean’s List four semesters, is a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honor society, and plays intramural sports.
Independent study courses are among several major opportunities at Lafayette that make the College a national leader in undergraduate research. Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty-two students were accepted to present their work at the annual conference this month.