Active learning and Lack of time
Although I've enjoyed participating in active learning, it does take up more class time. This makes it a better fit for certain courses. Some of our courses require mostly memorization of information jammed into limited class time. You just have to get very creative and organized!
Hi Judith,
You have it! Active learning is no doubt effective. Students really retain the learning from getting actively involved.
Patricia Scales
I have found that the 20 minute attention is about right. I like to use the first 20 minutes of class for lecture (often with an accompaning power point), the second 20 minutes for an interactive activity and the final time for discussion and wrap up. Now, I do not find this to be practical every class time; however, as often as possible, it keeps the students engaged and wanting to return to see when it just might happen again. They like the freedom to move around and to think for themselves. I believe 'real' learning occurs when they are actively engaged in the process.
Hi Wanda,
You are right! You have to get active learning in where it best fits in. Some classes just do not allow you to do any active learning; they are more fact based.
Patricia Scales
