Does Sketching promote student learning? A review on undergraduate geology students

Sketching is an important way in science and other disciplines for illustrating complex concepts into more digestible formats and has therefore long been engrained in the field of Geology either for research or teaching purposes. The following report outlines an assessment of a compulsory second year undergraduate geology module where illustrations are implemented and form a key part of the student’s learning process. The intendent learning outcomes are assessed through the submission of a practical folder and an exam including a practical component. The module receives critical but highly positive reviews from the student cohort who achieve overall good marks. However, a key difference in student performance between the practical components of the exam compared to that of the coursework is apparent. Practical components are problem-based and intended to offer the students an opportunity to engage with the complexity of a given task and sketching intended to increase the student-learning process through exploration. The benefits of sketching are unequivocally clear but it remains open whether students use illustrations to enhance the learning process to their full potential. Introduction of a learning-cycle approach appeared to have improved student performance and is recommended to promote student learning.