Active Learning

What is Active Learning

"Learning is not a spectator sport. Students do not learn much just sitting in classes listening to teachers, memorizing prepackaged assignments, and spitting out answers. They must talk about what they are learning, write reflectively about it, relate it to past experiences, and apply it to their daily lives. They must make what they learn part of themselves (Chickering & Gamson, 1987)

"Active learning is having students engage in some activity that forces them to think about and comment on the information presented. Students won't simply be listening, but will be developing skills in handling concepts in our disciplines. They will analyze, synthesize and evaluate information in discussion with other students, through asking questions or through writing. Students will be engaged in activities that force them to reflect upon ideas and upon how they are using those ideas" (Speaking of Teaching, Vol. 5 No. 1).

Why is Active Learning Important?

It has been found that student attention span starts to dramatically decrease about 12-15 minutes after the start of a lecture. Students who actively engage with the material are more likely to recall information later and be able to use that information in different contexts.

"All genuine learning is active, not passive. It is a process of discovery in which the student is the main agent, not the teacher" (Adler, 1982).

Active Learning Articles

Active Learning in Small to Large Groups
     http://www.cs.duke.edu/~forbes/papers/fie2002.pdf

Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education
     http://learningcommons.evergreen.edu/pdf/fall1987.pdf

Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom
     http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/91-9dig.htm

A Self-Directed Guide to Designing Courses for Significant Learning
     http://trc.virginia.edu/Workshops/2004/Fink_Designing_Courses_2004.pdf

Innovation in Large Lectures - Teaching for Active Learning
     http://www.colorado.edu/MCDB/MCDB6440/DE-M_97.pdf

Active Learning
     http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/active.htm

Leading the Transition from Classrooms to Learning Spaces
     http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/NLI0447.pdf

Experiential Learning in Higher Education: Linking Classroom and Community
     http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/95-7dig.htm