elections – Active Learning in Political Science ©

This week I published a short essay in the ISA Newsletter on governance in the International Studies Association. In it, I explore a key independent variable that I hypothesize affects who serves in the entry-level leadership positions in sections, regions and caucuses: the process of electing chairs and the length of service required to serve in a chair role. I argue that a common practice of requiring potential chairs to serve first as program chairs–and conversely, for program chairs to immediately step into the top role–may preclude many qualified, interested members from serving in entry-level leadership. This essay was inspired by my own experience entering leadership in the International Education section, which merged two years ago with the Active Learning Section to form the Education and Learning in International Studies (ELIAS) section.

Find the full essay here: https://www.isanet.org/News/ID/6621/ISA-Section-Governance-Structures-Differences-in-Self-Governance-in-Sections-Caucuses-and-Regions

Today’s guest post comes from Dr. Justin Crofoot (Penn State University, PA) and Dr. Rolfe Peterson (Susquehanna University, PA)!

In the Fall 2024 semester, students from 11 different universities across Pennsylvania (including ours: Penn State and Susquehanna University) conducted exit poll surveys for the presidential election. Each university independently organized their students and sent them to precincts to survey voters regarding their vote choice, policy preferences, and other important issues. This active learning project gave students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, insight into the electoral process, and practice analyzing survey data. Below we discuss the preparation, the exercise, and the pedagogical use during and after.

Tag: elections

Entry-Level Governance in the International Studies Association

Inquiring Minds are Engaged Minds: Exit Polling as an Active Learning Exercise