Active Learning

21^st Century Education: The Active Learning Approach

According to the latest educational research, physics is not learned very well by traditional methods of simply listening to lectures (sit and get method!), but by students actively engaging the content to build understanding of the physical and mathematical principles which govern our universe (like learning how to swim or shoot a free throw—you have to practice it!).

Underlying the approach of Active Learning are these 4 basic principles:

1. Knowledge is constructed by each learner, not transmitted to him or her by someone else.

2. The construction of knowledge is an effortful process requiring significant time and engagement by the learner.

3. The construction of knowledge often takes place within the context of social interaction.

4. The construction of knowledge is greatly influenced by the knowledge the learner already possesses.

In order to incorporate active learning principles into the classroom, we will be leveraging emerging technologies and learning models to make your learning more engaging, hands-on, interactive, personalized, and give you more time in class to get individualized help and attention!

Scientific Reasoning Research Institute, UMassAmherst. http://www.srri.umass.edu/