Active Learning Best Practices

At its core active learning is about helping students to practice and reflect on what they are learning. In traditional classrooms this is usually done individually outside of class via homework assignments.  In the active learning classroom, practice and reflection happen during class time with an instructor present to guide learning, reinforce concepts, or clarify misconceptions. The goal is to scaffold learning, allowing time for students to practice in a group setting before they are expected to complete work individually

Designing a course

Developing a course that utilizes active learning strategies requires work, planning and time.  Retrofitting a current class and adding some activities is not going to produce a course that is as effective as it could be.  For best results start with the basics, review your overall course outcomes and weekly objectives.  Focus in on what students will be required to know, do, or feel at the end of the session. Use those objectives to design your activities.  For example, if students will be required to analyze a concept, begin that process during the class activity.

Lecturing

Many instructors fear they will no longer be able to lecture in an active learning classroom. This is 100% false. Lecture is absolutely allowed and encouraged. The big difference is that you will need to break up a lecture into smaller pieces.  This allows students to focus on a smaller concept and practice that concept before moving on. Remember, for students lecture is a passive activity, they may be listening, they may be planning the dinner they will make that evening.  Adding those short activities promotes practice, but also gives students’ brains the opportunity to switch gears and re-engage with the content regularly. The graphic below does a really nice job of giving an idea of how a typical active learning room could function.

Technology

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has several active learning rooms specifically designed to accommodate small group work and technology enhanced learning.  Although there are rooms dedicated to this type of teaching, it is important to know that you do not need a special room or a lot of technology to use active learning strategies. In fact, some of the most engaging lessons happen with just paper and pencil.

There are twelve official active learning classrooms on campus.  A list of the rooms can be found below and inventories of technology, room photos, and other important details can be found via the Classroom Directory. Although technology is not required, it can enhance certain activities.  Instructions for operating the multiple screens displayed in the room are available on this Demonstration of Active Learning Classroom Technology.

Room Layout and Collaboration

Official active learning classrooms have dynamic layouts where furniture can easily be moved and rearranged.  Working in small groups can help students “try out” their understanding of concepts with a small group of peers, modifying and changing that understanding through clarifcation and discussion with the group.  This configuration also makes it easy for instructors to observe the discussions and jump in when an idea or concept needs to enhanced or changed.