1 Active Learning
Active learning engages people directly in solving problems and thinking, using the mental tools they are learning. Active learning is a continuum of engagement. Learning can be minimally active or highly active. (see examples)
Examples of Minimally Active (Passive) Learning
- Students taking notes during a lecture – but the lecturer is doing most of the thinking and presenting solved problems.
- Students reading a textbook and highlighting sections.
Minimallly active/Passive learning is characterized by knowledge consumption, maximally active learning is characterized by producing knowledge while learning.
Another way to say this: Active learning leaves some knowledge out for the learner to create or fill in.
Examples of Maximally Active Learning
- Learners in a physics course completing cycles of peer instruction (answering a multiple choice question, discussing their answer, re-answering the question, and then seeing the correct answer.)
- Learners in an composition course writing thesis paragraphs.
- Learners finding and editing a wikipedia page in the subject they’re learning, ideally, editing a page that requires them to learn something new or test their knowledge through citation or editorial discussions.
- Learners in a chemistry lab conducting an experiment.
Note that there is extremely strong empirical evidence that (high structure) active learning increases student performance in STEM courses.
Take a moment to think about active and passive learning in your context. What are some examples from teaching or learning in your subject and your practices?