Ideas for active learning activities
Some methods I have used involve game-style tactics to either prepare a class for a test, or to introduce a new topic and see how muck knowledge is already out there. Can anyone share some methods that have worked for you?
Hi Sarah,
This is also a good way to test students knowledge, and it serves as a great review as well.
Patricia Scales
I give the students 5-10 minutes to come up with a few questions that they feel may be on the exam. Then, each student asks the class one of their questions and the class answers as a group. I have them turn in their questions, and some have actually ended up being exam questions that I have used!
Hi Nancy,
Yes case studies/role playing are fun, and they make learning effective!!!
Patricia Scales
Hi Sean, One of the best and most fun methods I have used is to create case sudies that teams randomly select. After selecting their case study, a period of time is given for them to create a role play to present to the class. I also allow the audience to review the case studies so that questions can be asked at the end of the role play!!! So much fun!!!!!
Hi Jerry,
Awesome active learning exercises! Students want to be given practice exams to determine how much they really know.
Patricia Scales
Some of the active learning methods I use most frequently are:
Research projects via the Internet on proposed topics
Lab assignments with predefined objectives and outcome
Practice exams that test newly acquired knowledge
Breakout sessions concerning hypothetical scenarios
Hi Cathryn,
How creative! The past can surely be something to learn from to hopefully make your present and future situations better. I am sure you get some very impressive art work.
Patricia Scales
I am having my art history students use artworks from the past to influence something of their own creation that relates to their field of study. That way they do the research and also see how the past can apply to their present and future.
In an introduction English Composition class I have implemented the interactive activity of having the entire class write one single essay as a group. After instructing how a five paragraph essay is properly structured, the group is divided into five teams of nearly equal numbers. As a class, we decide on a topic and 3 point thesis statement. Each group is then assigned a paragraph to construct as a team. One team writes the introduction, one team writes the conclusion and the remaining three teams each write one of the three body paragraphs. When completed with their tasks, a reader from each group reads their paragraphs in proper order and the entire class is amazed with the final project and the ease they had with creating it. We have had a good time with this activity.
Hi Susan,
Sounds like fun! Students really love doing hands-on activities.
Patricia Scales
I use role-playing in my Design Process class. the students role play designer and client while making a design brief for a DVD cover. They like making up a band to be the client for this exercise.
Hi Ray,
Yes! Involvement grabs and keeps students attention. Let's get students involved.
Patricia Scales
Students like to be involved, if they are not you can loose them quick.
Hi John,
Students love it when we make learning apply to the real world. Students are more confident when they are learning things that they will be exposed to in the real world.
Patricia Scales
Conducting activities wherein the student can participate with professional in their working field. This is a real time activity where they can see and participate in actual real world problems.
Hi Sharon,
Awesome exercise to get students to utilize their critical thinking skills and to get them actively involved. This is the type of situation your students will encounter in the real world. You are doing a fine job preparing your students for the real world.
Patricia Scales
After a lecture and demonstration on designing,preparing and pricing a specialty cake, I have my students role play a client/pastry chef scenario. The clients come up with cakes they want made and the pastry chefs work with them on the design. Over the course of a week the cake is prepared and priced for the entire class to see. Everyone plays the part of client for a cake and pastry chef for another cake so everyone is involved in both roles.
Hi Thomas,
You can also allow your students to present the lesson using creative ways, such as role playing, case studies, scenarios, mock learning, etc.
Patricia Scales
Invoving students in talking about a short subject in between in front of the class is a means to make the lecture session more active
