Embedded Files
Interactive, hands-on learning.
Active learning is a teaching approach that involves learners actively engaging with the learning material through various activities, discussions, and hands-on experiences. Rather than passively receiving information, learners take an active role in the learning process, which can include discussions, problem-solving, group activities, and real-world applications. The goal is to promote deeper understanding, critical thinking, and retention of information by encouraging learners to participate actively in their own education.
Key thinkers in this area:
David Paul Ausubel (1918 – 2008)
Jerome Bruner (1915–2016)
Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934)
Active learning is guided by several key principles:
Student-Centered Approach: Shift the focus from the teacher to the learner, where learners take an active role in their education.
Collaboration and interaction: Facilitates the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and knowledge, promoting a deeper understanding.
Application of knowledge: Helps learners connect theoretical concepts to practical scenarios, enhancing comprehension and retention.
Critical thinking and problem solving: Develops learners’ analytical skills and prepares them for applying knowledge in various contexts.
Active participation: Actively involved learners are more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Feedback and reflection: Helping learners understand their progress and areas for improvement.
Varied learning activities: Recognizes that learners work in different ways, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for all learners.
Continuous assessment: To help gauge student understanding, identify misconceptions, and inform instructional adjustments.
Teaching strategies that are linked to active learning
Group Discussions: Break learners into small groups to discuss a specific topic or problem.
Case Studies: Analyse real-world scenarios relevant to the subject matter.
Problem-Solving Sessions: Present complex problems for learners to solve individually or in groups.
Peer Teaching: Assign learners to teach a topic to their peers.
Role-Playing: Act out scenarios related to the subject matter.
Interactive Lectures: Embed questions, discussions, or activities within traditional lectures.
Jigsaw Technique: Break down a large topic into subtopics and assign each to different groups.
Think-Pair-Share: Pose a question, ask students to think individually, discuss it with a partner, and then share it with the class.
Simulations and Games: Make learning enjoyable and hands-on while reinforcing key concepts.
Read more here:
Bailey, R., Ries, F., Heck, S., & Scheuer, C. (2023). Active Learning: A Review of European Studies of Active Lessons. Sustainability, 15(4), 3413.
Banayo, A. F., & Barleta, C. J. B. (2022). Online education as an active learning environment in the new normal. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 2(4), 72-96.
What is the evidence supporting the effectiveness of active learning in your specialism?
What is the evidence supporting the effectiveness of active learning in the FES sector?
Are there potential drawbacks or limitations to active learning?
How do active learning strategies align with the learners you teach?
How can you overcome the risk of surface-level engagement without deep understanding?
Will all learners engaging in active learning participate, or is there potential for unequal engagement?
How does active learning impact introverted or shy learners?
How do you address resistance or pushback from learners about active learning?
What evidence is there that active learning improves long-term retention of knowledge?
Are there ethical considerations related to active learning?
Page updated
Report abuse