TADDEI

TaDDEI

TaDDEI is the Spanish acronym for Study/Learning Skills Within the Context of a Course. Pioneered by a Chemistry professor from UPR-Humacao, TaDDEI workshops were designed to develop independent study skills needed for successful course outcomes. The goals of the TaDDEI workshops are to strengthen cognitive processes, improve study skills, and increase frequency of study for the participants.

In TaDDEI workshops, an algorithm is taught and practiced consisting of the sequence of mental operations that should be systematically conducted when applying the recommended study techniques. The systematic repetition of the corresponding algorithm facilitates the creation of new approaches of analysis and the comparison of different elements of the study material. Once the student is comfortable with the study techniques, the student can modify the algorithm adapted to their preferred learning style mode.

TaDDEI consists of three main activities:

The workshops offered by the professor with the assistance of a mentor.
The support groups, where student mentors meet with a small group of participants for one hour each week, to identify and address problem areas and to discuss concepts needing clarification.
The weekly staff meeting, where the coordinator meets with the professors and student mentors to evaluate course progress during the previous week, to plan course content for the following week, and to discuss and solve any problems encountered.

Preliminary results indicate a substantial increase in study frequency and satisfactory grades by workshop participants compared with non-participants, independent of cumulative grade point average.

Innovative TaDDEI Workshops to Develop Independent Study Skills in Students Enrolled in Chemistry Courses, by David Santiago, Michael Rubin, Yolanda Vaillant, and TaDDEI Faculty (Click here to access a copy of this article in pdf format)