Learning APPROACHES
Active Learning
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Active Learning Method: Encouraging Student Interaction with Course Material
The active learning method is a teaching approach that encourages students to participate actively in the learning process by interacting with the course material every 10-15 seconds. This method is becoming increasingly popular in classrooms as it is seen as an effective way to enhance student learning outcomes by promoting deeper learning and understanding of the subject matter.
Active Learning Techniques
Active learning involves a range of techniques that promote student engagement and interaction with the course material.[1,2] Some of the most commonly used techniques include:
- Classroom Discussions: Discussions encourage students to express their opinions, thoughts, and ideas, and respond to their peers. This technique promotes critical thinking and communication skills.
- Group Activities: Group activities involve students working together to complete a task. This technique promotes collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Interactive Activities: Interactive learning activities such as questions require student to be active on the learning content they study. This techniques is especially adapted to digital and self-paced learning, with the associated advantage of generating learning records for each interaction (e.g. clicks) by the learner.
- Case Studies: Case studies involve students analyzing real-world scenarios to identify problems, develop solutions, and make decisions. This technique encourages students to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
- Role-playing: Role-playing involves students acting out different scenarios. This technique encourages creativity, communication skills, and empathy.
- Games and Simulations: Games and simulations involve students participating in interactive learning experiences. This technique promotes engagement, motivation, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits of Active Learning
The active learning method has several benefits for students and teachers, including:
- Increased Student Engagement: Active learning techniques encourage students to participate actively in the learning process, promoting engagement and interest in the subject matter.
- Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Active learning promotes deeper learning and a better understanding of the subject matter, leading to improved learning outcomes.
- Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Active learning encourages students to think critically and develop problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in many areas of life.
- Promotion of Teamwork and Collaboration: Active learning techniques promote teamwork and collaboration, which are essential skills for success in the workplace.
- Improved Communication Skills: Active learning techniques promote communication skills, including listening, speaking, and writing, which are essential for success in many areas of life.
Conclusion
The active learning method is a teaching approach that encourages students to interact with the course material every 10-15 seconds. It involves a range of techniques, including classroom discussions, group activities, case studies, role-playing, and games and simulations. The active learning method promotes student engagement, deepens understanding of the subject matter, develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, promotes teamwork and collaboration, and improves communication skills. Active learning is becoming an increasingly popular teaching method in classrooms, providing students with the tools and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
References
[1] Bonwell, C.; Eison, J. (1991). Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom AEHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 1. Washington, D.C.: Jossey-Bass. ISBN 978-1-878380-08-1.
[2] Martyn, Margie (2007). “Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach”. Educause Quarterly. 30, https://web.archive.org/web/20161120010639/http://er.educause.edu/articles/2007/1/clickers-in-the-classroom-an-active-learning-approach
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This work by Matthieu SONNATI is licensed under CC BY 4.0