Active Learning

Active learning engages students by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. It involves hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

Active Learning Strategies

Here are some teaching strategies that work in classrooms from elementary to university. Choose any you want to learn more about. We challenge you to choose one and master it. In time, you can incorporate more as you improve your teaching skills.

*Many examples of these strategies involve elementary, middle, and high school students.

The strategies have shown to be effective in all learning environments and student levels. The strategies are effective even with university and adult classes as well.

References and Slides

Akınoğlu, Orhan and Özkardeş Tandoğan, Ruhan (2007). The Effects of Problem-Based Active Learning in Science Education on Students' Academic Achievement, Attitude and Concept Learning. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 3(1), 71-81.

Allen, Deborah and Tanner, Kimberly (2005). Infusing Active Learning into the Large-enrollment Biology Class: Seven strategies, from the simple to complex. Cell Biology Education, 4, 262-268.

Austin, Diane and Mescia, Nadine D. (2004). Strategies to Incorporate Active Learning into Online Teaching. March, 4.

Barak, Miri Lipson, and Alberta and Lerman, Steven (2006). Wireless Laptops as Means for Promoting Active Learning in Large Lecture Halls. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 38(3), 245-263.

Bean, John C. (2011). Engaging Ideas: The professor's guide to integrating writing, critical thinking, and active learning in the classroom. John Wiley & Sons: San Francisco.

Beichner, Robert J. (2014). History and Evolution of Active Learning Spaces. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 137, 9-16.

Cavanagh, Michael (2011). Students' Experiences of Active Engagement through Cooperative Learning Activities in Lectures. Active Learning in Higher Education, 12(1), 23-33.

Dori, Yehudit Judy and Belcher, John (2004). How Does Technology-enabled Active Learning Affect Undergraduate Students' Understanding of Electromagnetism Concepts? The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 14(2), 243-279.

Haak, David C., HilleRisLamber, Janneke Pitre, Emile, and Freeman, Scott (2011). Increased Structure and Active Learning Reduce the Achievement Gap in Introductory Biology. Science, 332(6034), 1213-1216. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.385.7486&rep=rep1&type=pdf opens in new window

Hake, Richard R. (1998). Interactive-engagement vs traditional methods: A six-thousand student survey of mechanics test data for introductory physics courses (No. ED 441 679). Bloomington, IN: Indiana University.

Petersen, Christina I. and Gorman, Kristen S. (2014). Strategies to Address Common Challenges When Teaching in an Active Learning Classroom. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 137, 63-70.

Powner, Leanne C., and Michelle G. Allendoerfer (2008) Evaluating hypotheses about active learning. International Studies Perspectives, 9(1), 75-89.

Settles, Burr (2010). Active learning literature survey. Computer Sciences Technical Report 1648, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Spiceland, J. David and Hawkins, Charlene P. (2002). The impact on learning of an asynchronous active learning course. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 6(1), 68-75.

Stanton, Timothy K. (1987) Liberal Arts, Experiential Learning and Public Service: Necessary Ingredients for Socially Responsible Undergraduate Education. Paper Presented at the Annual Conference of the National Society for Internships and Experiential Education (16th Smugglers' Notch, VT, October 1987).

Umbach, Paul D., and Matthew R. Wawrzynski (2005). Faculty do matter: The role of college faculty in student learning and engagement. Research in Higher Education, 46(2), 153-184.

Wieman, Carl E. (2014). Large-scale comparison of science teaching methods sends clear message. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(23), 8319-8320.

Active Learning

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Active learning engages students by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. It involves hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

Active Learning Strategies

References and Slides

Center for Teaching Excellence

Edinburg

Brownsville

Hours

Active Learning

Contact Us

Quick Links

Active learning engages students by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. It involves hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

How can Active Learning Benefit Students in the Classroom?

Getting Started!

Active Learning Strategies

Think Pair Share

Quickwrite

Peer Discussion and Gallery Walk

Jigsaw

References and Slides

References

Slides

Center for Teaching Excellence

Edinburg

Brownsville

Hours