ACTIVE LEARNING

Active Learning

Active learning is a process whereby students engage in activities, such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem solving that promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of class content. Cooperative learning, problem-based learning, and the use of case methods and simulations are some approaches that promote active learning. This section provides links to bibliographies, research summaries, articles, and other resources about active learning.

 

Tips to enhance Student Participation in Active Learning

Getting students to participate in class

 Here are a few simple strategies to get students to respond to questions or participate more:

1. give students a clue regarding the kind of response that you are expecting

2. give students a minute to write their thoughts before anyone is called upon

3. break students into small groups to discuss the answer, then bring them back to the

   whole group.

4. arrive early to class and chat with students informally (helps them fail more comfortable)

5. use non-verbal means to invite people to participate - sit close to students, make eye

   contact with them individually, move around the room, or sit in different location

 Promoting class participation, discussion among the entire class

    If you want the class to actively participate in discussions, you might consider the

    following:

1. State it clearly in your class syllabus, establish it as an expectation at the first day of class

2. Count it as part of the grade

3. If possible, arrange chairs in circle or U or have students seat in fixed seating in such a

    way to foster eye contact with each other

4. Sit among the students during the discussion part of the class

5. If one student is dominating the discussion at the expense of the others - break eye contact with that student and look at others.

 Student classroom participation

One way to get the students to participate more in class is to give them an assignment that they have to come prepared to speak about. For example, you might ask them to bring a quote from the assigned reading which they especially related to, was inspiring or enlightening. Or you might ask them to bring a quote of a passage that they did not understand.