David McConnell

David McConnell is a Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Akron, focusing on innovative teaching strategies in large undergraduate earth science courses. His work emphasizes improving student performance through structured office hours and collaborative learning environments.

Research highlights include a comparative study showing that students in structured group settings achieved 5% higher overall course grades (80% vs. 75%, p<0.01) compared to non-group settings, with particular benefits for abstract thinkers. He advocates for concept-based learning over rote memorization and promotes metacognitive reflection through office hour interventions.

McConnell's 2005 publication with colleagues analyzed how student attributions of success/failure influence learning behaviors. His teaching philosophy aligns with best practices in undergraduate education, emphasizing direct student engagement and social connectivity to enhance conceptual understanding in geoscience.