Active Learning to Improve Engagement

30/08/2023 04:05:00 Author: Jackson Cionek

Active Learning to Improve Engagement

Active learning is an instructional method that involves students in the learning process more directly compared to passive learning methods, such as simply listening to lectures. This approach is rooted in the idea that learners who actively engage with the material are more likely to retain information and understand concepts deeply. Implementing active learning strategies can enhance engagement, improve comprehension, and promote long-term retention.

Here are several active learning strategies to improve engagement:

Think-Pair-Share:

Procedure: Pose a question to the class, give students some time to think about their answer, have them discuss their thoughts with a partner, then share their discussion with the whole class.

Benefits: This promotes individual reflection and collaborative thinking.

Collaborative Group Work:

Procedure: Divide students into small groups and assign tasks or problems to solve.

Benefits: Students learn to work collaboratively, leverage diverse perspectives, and articulate their understanding.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL):

Procedure: Present students with a real-world problem. They must research, collaborate, and propose solutions.

Benefits: Promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge.

Case-Based Learning:

Procedure: Use real or fictional cases to illustrate concepts. Students analyze and discuss the case.

Benefits: Helps students understand the real-world application of theoretical knowledge.

Interactive Simulations and Labs:

Procedure: Use computer-based simulations or hands-on labs to explore concepts.

Benefits: Enhances understanding through practical application and experimentation.

Concept Mapping:

Procedure: Students create visual diagrams that represent the relationship between different concepts.

Benefits: Encourages students to understand and visualize connections between ideas.

Peer Teaching:

Procedure: Students are assigned topics to teach to their peers, either in small group discussions or in front of the class.

Benefits: Deepens understanding, as teaching a concept often solidifies knowledge.

Interactive Quizzes and Polls:

Procedure: Use platforms like Kahoot or Poll Everywhere to create real-time quizzes or polls during class.

Benefits: Provides immediate feedback and engages students in a fun, competitive manner.

Jigsaw Method:

Procedure: Divide students into groups, assign each group a specific topic to learn and then teach to others. Later, form new groups with one member from each of the previous groups, and have students teach each other their topics.

Benefits: Encourages collaboration and ensures that students become "experts" in their assigned topic.

Role Playing and Simulations:

Procedure: Students take on roles and act out scenarios relevant to the course material.

Benefits: Engages students by placing them in realistic situations, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

Reflection and Metacognition:

Procedure: Encourage students to think about their thinking. This could be through journaling, discussions, or specific assignments that ask students to reflect on their learning processes.

Benefits: Enhances students' awareness of their learning habits and strategies.

When implementing active learning strategies, it's essential to consider the class size, available resources, and the comfort level of the students. Regularly seeking feedback from students can help refine and adapt these strategies to fit specific contexts better.