Teaching Tip: Socio-Cultural Learning to Increase Student Engagement in Introduction to MIS

Authors

Amy J. Connolly, James Madison UniversityFollow
Leigh A. Mutchler, James Madison UniversityFollow
Daniel E. Rush, Boise State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Introduction to Management Information Systems (MIS) is a challenging course to teach because of the broad expanse of rapidly-changing material, the centrality of the course to the business curriculum, students’ demand for interactive teaching rather than traditional lecture, and general student disinterest in or lack of familiarity with the subject. Further compounding these problems, faculty may not be adequately comfortable with or trained in active teaching modalities. To address these challenges, we used principles of socio-cultural learning to design a system of class activities to teach the dynamic concepts commonly found in the Introduction to MIS course. Faculty can adapt and customize this system to suit almost any teaching style without significant preparation. Capitalizing on students’ own experiences, we provide ad hoc activities that encourage students to work outside their comfort zone, to communicate and challenge material, to value their own expertise, and to gain confidence working independently. This paper specifically answers the call for more research explaining the “how” of teaching rather than the “what” and will prove useful and immediately actionable for novice and seasoned faculty alike.

Recommended Citation

Connolly, Amy J.; Mutchler, Leigh A.; and Rush, Daniel E. (2022) "Teaching Tip: Socio-Cultural Learning to Increase Student Engagement in Introduction to MIS," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 33 : Iss. 2 , 113-126.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol33/iss2/2