Active Learning

A Simple Guide to Online Teaching>Active Learning

Active learning is any approach to instruction in which all students are asked to engage in the learning process. 

• Active learning stands in contrast to "traditional" modes of instruction in which students are passive recipients of knowledge from an expert.
• Active learning can take many forms and be executed in any discipline. Commonly, students will engage in small or large activities centered around writing, talking, problem solving, or reflecting. 
• Active learning refers to a broad range of teaching strategies which engage students as active participants in their learning during class time with their instructor. 
• Typically, these strategies involve some amount of students working together during class, but may also involve individual work and/or reflection. 
• These teaching approaches range from short, simple activities like journal writing, problem solving and paired discussions, to longer, involved activities or pedagogical frameworks like case studies, role plays, and structured team-based learning.