Engaging Students in Active Learning
My students are adults and enjoy active learning in the classroom. I work to involve as much student participation as possible as long as it does not detract from the lesson objectives. One activity I like to use is small groups to solve a problem. With members from a variety of National Agencies, students must collaborate to develop a possible solution to the situation they've been given. I guide them through a number of discussions to help narrow down possible solution sets. At the end of the course, the small groups present their solution to the other three groups. This not only provides the groups the opportunity to apply what they've learned, but also to assess the other possible solutions developed by the other groups. They learn from each other as well as the formal instruction.
Hi Cara,
We need to serve as guidance for our students so that they are successful. They look for us to get them going in the right direction.
Patricia Scales
It is always a good idea to have the students get together to review or regroup thier notes from the class. I find that it helps to point out anything that they might have missed as well as guide them back on track to the direction they should be going in.
Hi Curt,
Great way to promote learning. It is amazing what students can learn from their peers. Adults seem to really enjoy working in small groups, especially when everyone is cooperative.
Patricia
