Active Learning

What is active learning?

Active learning refers to a range of teaching strategies which engage students as active participants in their learning and their instructor during class time. As illustrated in the diagram below, These strategies can involve working as a whole class, in small groups or individually.

Changing a student’s role from a passive listener to being actively involved in the learning process is said to improve one’s skills in collaboration, critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, and content retention.

An active role in learning has been vital to supporting retention of new knowledge.  The constructivist learning theory states that learning happens when students are able to test their constructs through discussions with their peers, ask questions and test various possibilities.

Have you considered ways that you can increase student engagement in your courses but are not sure where to start?