Intro Video for Active Learning
Definition:
Active learning is a process whereby students engage in learning activities, such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem solving that promote application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of new knowledge of class content. In other words, students are the center role of the the learning process.
Innovation in Teaching and Learning:
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-once every fifteen minutes or so-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.
The following list is a description of some of the elements and examples of teaching techniques of "active learning":
- Daine's techniques: Active_Learning_Handout .pdf
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/prod/groups/ohr/@pub/@ohr/@ctl/documents/asset/ohr_asset_314707.pdf
- Indiana University Bloomington: http://www.indiana.edu/~icy/document/active_learning_techniques.pdf