Active Learning

Summary of Active Learning

Active learning refers to the process in which students “engage in activities, such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem solving that promote analysis, synthesis and evaluation of class content” (Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, 2015). It is through active learning that students can be exposed to a wide range of learning experiences that can be “more effective and interesting” (Study Guides and Strategies, 1996). The major benefits of active learning include:

Reinforcement of important material, concept and skills.

Provides immediate feedback for students to learn from.

Address and accommodate different learning styles.

Provides students with the opportunity to think and share their opinions on the course material.

Creates a personal connection between the course and students, which in turn motivates the latter to participate.

Allows students the opportunity to practice life-based skills such as teamwork.

Builds self-esteem through interactions with other students.

Establishes a sense of community among the students and teacher (Cornell University, 2014).

Active learning can also be incorporated into other forms of learning, including cooperative learning and problem-based learning (Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, 2015).

Teaching Strategies

Promoting Participation: Active learning requires students to be engaged in the lesson or activity. It is important to create an environment in which students will feel encouraged to participate. One strategy can include sitting among the students when they are working on the lesson, while providing necessary feedback as guidance for them to learn from. Another strategy can involve setting the classroom seating in a manner where students are able to communicate with each other (USciences, 2015).

Preparing for Classroom Participation: Classroom participation is a suitable activity for active learning as students express their ideas, while listening and understanding the opinions of their classmates. One method of preparing students is to give them an assignment to complete. Once the assignment is complete students should be prepared to discuss in class what they have learned from completing the assignment (USciences, 2015). This method allows students get an idea of what they learning and express their understanding of the subject material.

Brainstorm Ideas: Brainstorming is an important component of active learning, as it shows what ideas or opinions students possess towards completing an assignment. Students can work in either pairs or small groups allows students to share and work off each other’s ideas (Thompson, 2015). At the same time brainstorming can also encourage students to “think outside the box” to develop ideas or solutions that they would not have originally done so on their own (Thompson, 2015).

Digital Tool

Scratch - https://scratch.mit.edu/

“Scratch” is an online program where users can create “interactive stories, games and animations” and share with their community (Scratch). This program is useful for active learning because it allows users to exercise their creativity through developing different programs. At the same time they can learn about the different options provided by “Scratch”. This allows them to develop ideas that they have been previously unaware of.

References

Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (2015). Active Learning. Retrieved November 7, 2015 from http://www.crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/tsal

Cornell University (2014). Active Learning. Retrieved November 7, 2015 from http://www.cte.cornell.edu/teaching-ideas/engaging-students/active-learning.html

Scratch. About Scratch. Retrieved November 10, 2015 from https://scratch.mit.edu/about/

Study Guides and Strategies (1996). Active Learning. Retrieved November 7, 2015 from http://www.studygs.net/activelearn.htm

Thompson, J. (2015). 40 Active Learning Strategies for Active Students. Retrieved November 10, 2015 from http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8414-40-active-learning-strategies-for-active-students-

USciences (2015). Student Participation/Active Learning. Retrieved November 10, 2015 from http://www.usciences.edu/teaching/tips/spal.shtml#participate