Some new evidence in the continuing debate over the impact of large classes on teaching and learning: The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario has just released a report that notes a lack of consensus on whether class size alone is a key factor in learning. However, the report concludes that "if size matters ... teaching methods and course design probably matter more." Dr. Alice Cassidy offers this teaching methods that promotes active learning especially when you ask your students to read material to prepare for class. Have your students read a newspaper article about Killer Whales and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to prepare students (most logically for biology non-majors) to conduct scholarly research in the discipline. Along with this assigned pre-reading, give each student a colored slip of paper (1 of 3 colors). Each color is a different question, such as ‘What words in the article would you use to find out more about the subject in a web search?’; ‘What would you do first to find a peer-reviewed journal article that relates to this article?’ Tell them to come to class with their answer. You can then pass the tickets along to a reference librarian in MJGL and ask them to lead a computer session for the students to teach them about databases, Google scholar, etc. The student answers on the tickets end up guiding the computer lab, showing the students that we are helping them by using their feedback, hence it is highly relevant to them. This teaching method provides relevant skills that can be used in any situation. A good way to align this learning experience with your learning outcomes is to assign them a research essay. The 15th annual Wakonse South Conference on College Teaching will take place March 30 through April 1, 2012. The conference will be held at Canyon of the Eagles Resort in the Texas Hill Country. The conference features engaging conversations about learning and teaching among college faculty, many stimulating presentations by conference participants, and beautiful surroundings all combined to create a renewing, refreshing, and wonderful conference. Past participants have reported that they were re-energized and enjoyed learning, teaching, socializing, and relaxing. The cost for the entire conference, including all meals and two nights of accommodation for a Non-TAMU faculty member is $395.00. For a single occupancy, add $140 (subject to availability). Please note that registration is first come, first serve.