Active learning generally refers to any instructional method that engages students in the learning process beyond listening and passive note-taking. Active learning approaches promote skill development and higher-order thinking through activities that might include reading, writing, and/or discussion. Metacognition — thinking about one’s thinking — can also be an important element, helping students connect course activities to their learning (Brame, 2016).

These resources are meant to aid in the identification, practice, and implementation of research-based active learning approaches. They can be used in both online and face-to-face learning environments. This guide should help you to create and recognize opportunities to integrate active learning activities that facilitate desired student learning outcomes into your course in both planned and dynamic ways.

Active Learning Subtopics

• Analysis and Critical Thinking 
• Discussions
• Prior Knowledge 
• Problem-Solving
• Small Teaching Strategies
• Basic Approaches for Engaging Students in the Classroom
• Engaging Students in Large Courses
• Engaging Students in Online Courses
• Engaging Students in a Traditional Classroom
• Engaging Students in an Active Learning Classroom
• Classroom Examples of Active Learning

Citation

• Brame, C. (2016). Active learning. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Retrieved March 10, 2021 from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/active-learning/(link is external).