active learning
It can be hard at time to get all students involved in active learning.
Hi Jeff,
Great 3-step approach to learning.
Patricia Scales
I teach cooking, active learning is key. I always start my classes with a lecture, then a demo, then a hands on activity. I find my students are often chomping at the bit to get to the activity. It’s necessary to give them a lecture and demo before they start how I keep their attention during this time without them wandering of mentally and sometimes physically?
Hi Shayan,
I have a zero tolerance policy for electronic devices that are not to be used for education use. Students must learn that they must abide by rules policies and procedures. A lot can be done with electronic devices to help with active learning. I use these devices every opportunity I get to promote active learning.
Patricia Scales
Here are some of my thoughts on the lack of use of active learning/teaching methodology. Although a dynamic and fascinating lecture presentation would seem to be an especially time efficient way for an instructor to cover course content,‖ however, many studies indicate that listening to a classroom lecture is not an effective way to promote deep and lasting student learning. As many educators believe, lecturing involves the transfer of information from the lecturer to the learner without passing through the minds of either. For example, during a professor’s presentation, observing students in both small and very large size classrooms would reveal significant proportions of students who are daydreaming, listening unconcernedly to the lecture, listening to their music, instant messaging on a cell phone, or playing on a laptop computer. The proportion of students visibly engaged in taking notes in most classes has become increasingly small. Further, the pervasive use of slides presentation during lecture has led students to anticipate routinely that they will have ready access to the presentation.
Hi James,
We do the same thing at my institution and it is very effective. Particiaption is 5% of their grade. They realize 5 points can make a difference.
Patricia Scales
I give a participation grade in every class I teach and it is earned by the amount of engagement each student applies in each session.
It is interesting to see how much more then get involved in class discussions and activities after they realize that they don't get the full participation points just for showing up for class. The participation points they earn each class are also reduced if they arrive late or leave class early.
In the beginning you can see some students who just throw in a comment or two to ensure they get maximum participation points; however overtime you can see them grow to understand that by being actively involved in the discussions and events they learn more and really start to enjoy their classmates and course material.
Hi Leila,
I love active learning! I concur! It keeps students busy and on their toes. Students do not have time to get bored.
Patricia Scales
All of the classes I teach promote active learning. Active learning encourages students to perform tasks. The students therefore do not have the opportunity to "zone out." I appreciate the way active learning keeps students engaged.
Hi Eugene,
Students want to and need to be involved. Students retain more when they have direct involvement.
Patricia Scales
Active learning is much better then passive learning. Involving students works better for me.
Hi Melvin,
Trying giving a participation grade as well to encourage students to participate.
Patricia Scales
