Definition and Importance of Active Learning | Origin: EL113
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Active Learning in an Online Environment --> Definition and Importance of Active Learning
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Active learning views students as actual participants in the learning process -- not static recipients of force fed information. It is up to the student to take an active role in the classroom and the teacher becomes a facilitator (guide on the side) rather than the sage on the stage.
Active learning is letting the students to be teachers for themselves in a way. You the instructor will be as a student that guide and listen to students with active interaction as part of the group.
I noticed there is a section EL 104 Teaching and organazing a virtual learning environment. I believe this is the next phase in this active learning process we are taking. I want to learn more on the implementing of this virtual environment.
I believe active learning is a much more efficient method of teaching, and with more retention of material and interest in the subject from the student point of view. Would be helpful to have a syllabus with dynamic activities included for the different subject to be learned by students.
The concept of active learning. Dynamic interactive classroom and having students to be collaborators in the teaching not only listeners. The sage lecturer mentality is not that functional anymore.
I agree 100 % with a more dynamic method of teaching like active learning process. The tradional teacher lecturing an passive student just taking notes is not that great for retention and long term learning. Concepts difficult to understand should be presented to the students in an easy way so they can process mentality the hardcore concept and then expand their knowledge with a solid base. Implementing more dynamic activities in a curriculum can be a great help for any instructor to implement.
As a therapist also, I see that these methods being utilized can help build and facilitate a relationship and rapport with the students that are highly linked to success (for exmaple, greater participation, higher grades, higher attritition rates, etc).
I have never been one for the lecture mode of study as I have always found it to be boring and monotonous. I have leaned more towards the idea that active learning is the best way for students to learn as it "diversifies the learning environment for students and gives them an educational experience which many may have never had before". I think active learning helps the students be more proactive in their learning, helps them engage with one another, helps them have fun and enjoy their class/course more while learning and it "assists in understanding, retaining and applying course content".
The learning enviroment for the student and instructor are equally important to the learning of the student.
Critical thinkings can help the student to see the connection between class content and real life. Critical thinking also Guides student in solving a problem and demonstrating comprehension.
Rubrics can reduce time spent grading by allowing instructors to refer to a substantive description Also can help instructors more clearly identify strengths and weaknesses across an entire class and adjust their instruction appropriately.
Poor technology within online classes = declining enrollment and discouraaed students.
Instructors are the course facilitator who guides the student through thier learning jouney encouraging active learning. Instructors can adapt many active learning strategies to online courses. Online active learning can also provide new ways for students to interact, participate, and collaborate. For effective active learning, instructors should consider ways to combine practice with feedback, peer learning, and clear structure.
I have learned so many things from reading about active learning, including multiple ideas for engaging my students in synchronous and asynchonous classes. I love the idea of "student-centered" and "student-led" learning, as well as employing groups of students to find solutions to a problem. I can also envision implementing a "recall" of everything that students can remember from the past 20 minutes as well. This could be really effective in a Zoom meeting, letting students brainstorm and type responses into the chat. There are so many ways to actively engage students beyond the traditional lecture format, and these could really enhance and enrich the learning environment in an online class.
Although the instructor is there to teach, they can also be seen as an educational coach.
I plan to incorporate more group learning activities and convey to the class upfront that they are in charge of their own learning, I am here to facilitate and add to it.
Active learning is very different in comparison to other ways of learning. Actively engaging students involves them in a way where learning is feasible and easier to comprehend. It involves more thinking than actually memorizing. Students need to be able to critically think and analyze their findings.
For me it's difficult on finding the balance of everything. What I mean by that is pre covid we taught 100% in person, now since Covid we teach Hybrid by providing virtual and in person. However I find that with every class I'm having to changes the techniques that I teach to reach all strives of students so this falls under active learning. As an Instructor I can hand my students all the resources to achive their goal but it will still fall on them to learn and remember the information and apply it forward but then it also still falls on my shoulders if they don't achieve it. I will use this but constantly learning all ways of teaching and keep learning myself in general. It's funny because for even myself I was an active learner and student but needed that in person feeling however it didn't strive me away from being my best when it came time to apply what I didn't realized I learned but just putting into real life.
It's interesting to me that I incorporated a lot of active learning in my classroom environment back in the day but can't make it translate to the online.
