Active Learning
I am always looking for new methods to enhance active learning in the classroom. I like anything that involves small group preparation, student research and presentation of their findings, and anything that encourages them to excel on their own and think critically.
Beyond the games and small group discussions that many of us do, does anyone have a gem to share with us?
Hi Jerry,
Our students need as much reinforcement as possible. It is always good to give them exercises that review what has been taught to them. They must retain knowledge in order to be successful in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I use the same method at a similar school. By having the students follow the signal flow though an inline console one by one, keeps them paying attention along with being interactive. By teaching this concept this way, i feel it makes the students reinforce the material and be more interactive as they go though each piece. Makes the students look ahead so they can be prepared when we get to them, along with really reviewing the material.
I teach Basic Automotive Electrical and would love to hear more of your ideas. My biggest challenge is finding activities that relate to trying to get them to understand the basic, especially since they can't see it.
My ciriculmn is made out and I have to stay with it, but delivery and additions are allowed to a degree.
Hi Linda,
I love it! Students love being involved in the learning process, and it puts them at ease to let them know you will give them another chance by letting you review their paper before final submission.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kris,
Awesome way to involve active learning in this course. I can fully understand how students can retain this information. Demonstrating is always a good technique to help with memorization and recalling of information.
Patricia Scales
Thank you very much for sharing this. I wanted to ask how to improve my composition class and here is the best answer ever. Thank you!
I teach advanced English composition, and one of the best active, small group activities is editorial teams. Each student does independent research, and brainstorming on a given writing topic. Then students come together in small groups, and elect an editor, and a proofreader. Following a format for the essay, provided by the instructor, each group writes one essay. The editor types the essay, and the proofreader reviews the essay for errors in spelling, verb usage, and punctuation.
The team members have one last opportunity to improve their product before it is submitted for grading, and sharing with the class. As their instructor, I share ideas for improvemenet with each team.
At my audio engineering school we hand out a diagram of the circuitry of the electronics we are are studying. After an overview and a walk through of the signal flow we go around the class and have the next student say aloud what would be next in the circuit. This is done first with the diagram and then without. After the students get the hang of the material we actually run signal through the electronics and demonstrate it at each point. Then students are required to book labs individually or in groups to run the signal through themselves. These seems to keep the students interested and involved and still allows them to comprehend the material at their own pace or with some one who is on par with them.
Hi Tracy,
I love this approach and have found out students do too. Students learn better by doing.
Patricia Scales
I believe in the talk about it then show it or do it method. I think students absorb things better when they have hands on experiances
Hi Allen,
Mock learning, simulations, and scenarios are great for turning students loose so that they can discover.
Patricia Scales
I will have to develope some role playing options for my classes,since many times Im stuck in the classroom when I would rather just establish the objectives,familurize the class with the activity,and set them loose to disscover.
Hi Colby,
Most students love role playing. We have some great actors and actresses right in our classrooms. It is amazing the knowlege base of our students when they role play.
Patricia Scales
I know that I seem to get good responses from students when we do professional role playing. I also get great response from students when I assign them to do a field study or visit after we've talked about a certain topic.
