Understanding Active Learning
Adult learners are active learners and need self-direction. As instructor we need to be willing to chance our teaching methods to accommodate the student learning and keep them engaged.
Hi Eric,
Great approach! You have it. You teach so that you are able to capture all types of learners. Keep up the good work!
Patricia Scales
I always assume that there are a variety of learning styles in the classroom. Sometimes you can get a feel for what works for some and doesn't work for others. For that reason, I find that a good approach is just to vary the kinds of active learning strategies so that they include audio, visual, etc.. and also I try to alternate between short lectures (10-15 min) and longer active learning sessions.
Hi Tricia,
Even with hands on you have to do some auditory and perhaps some kinesthetic.
Patricia Scales
This can be tough when you have a variety of learning styles in your class. How would you apply these principles to various learning styles
Hi Sarah,
Some courses are indeed easier to incorporate active learning. Other courses require you to be creative and to really think out of the box to include active learning.
Patricia Scales
I can definatly see how active learning is easier to use in a trade school. Most of the learning in my class is hands on and I have deliberatly worked questions into my lectures to hold the students interest. It is not always as easy to do this in a tradisional classroom where lecture is has always been used. However, with a little creative thinking anything is possible. Exaple: Have you heard of Math 360? It is a great way to keep the students activly learning.
Hi Carolyn,
Yes. Active learning can also be thought of as being actively involved through the use of hands-on activities based on the theory that has been taught.
Patricia Scales
The way I understand active learning is, the student should be engaged in the production of whatever it is they are learning. As they are instructed they should also be producing and brain storming, coming up with ideas that make the project a group achievement.
Hi Sadie,
Yes, most students love active learning. Students would rather be doing! Students learn/retain more from doing.
Patricia Scales
