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Why "Active Learning"? --> Innovation in Teaching and Learning:

How does human mind work as engaging in learning? Learners perceive and process new information through two separate channels processing auditory/verbal input and visual/pictorial representation (Paivio's dual-coding theory and Baddeley's theory of working memory). Specifically, meaningful learning requires learners to pay attention to the presented materials (e.g., instructors' lectures or handouts), organize the perceive information into a structure that is connected and meaningful to learners' prior experiences and exiting knowledge. However, this information-processing-system has limited capacity (Sweller's cognitive load theory). In other words, in order to achieve intended learning outcomes, learners need to actively engage in activities to remember what they have learned (Retention) and use the learned skills and knowledge to solve new problems (Transfer). 

What can teachers do to facilitate effective learning? There  There are any number of teaching strategies that can be employed to actively engage students in the learning process, including group discussions, problem solving, case studies, role plays, reflective journal writing, and structured learning groups. By using "active learning" strategies, instructors can motivate students to engage in critical thinking and meaningful learning,  promote retention and transfer of new information, and improved interpersonal skills.

Teaching Techniques:

Using active learning does not mean abandoning the lecture format. Lecturers who use active learning pause frequently during the period to give students a few minutes to work with the information they're providing. They may ask students to respond to a question, to summarize important concepts in discussion, or compare notes with a partner. For example, in order to introduce Ohm's Law (new knowledge) to students, a traditional lecturer may only verbally describe and explain the formula for Ohm's Law. However, a lecture utilizing active learning strategies may ask students to apply Ohm's Law to do problem-solving project or group discussion.  

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