Student Attitudes
What can online instructors do to help students embrace active learning in the online environment?
Suzanne,
My students really enjoy role playing. Anything to bring some laughter and humor into the course also is helpful!
Renee Shaffer
Perhaps the most significant thing that instructors can do to help students embrace active learning in the online environment is to role model and use best practices. For example, if instructors provide an interactive lecture with videos and short engaging pop quizzes for fun learning and use games to enhance concept presentations, this would go far to promote a positive attitude about active learning.
Suzanne
The use of social media might be a way to do this. Social media and other online tools are a prime way to “activate†a course, “ But, however, I think it is important to use them in a way that is relevant to learning. Social media isn’t the same thing as social learning. Simply requiring students to tweet about a lesson isn’t enough, and know that students will not embrace social media in the classroom because it is trendy. Just my two cents!! :-)
Anita wrote, "Also, it is important for the instructor to listen to the student concerns and offer some solutions. Sometime, the student just needs to know that someone cares about them. "
Excellent point.
There are a few things I've used to help here, such as setting up a toll-free number students can use to reach me as well as giving them my cell phone which they can text - and call if they prefer. Students appreciate the access and are more than willing to "text" their professors about the class. This helps students know we are "all in this together.:
What are your ideas about these suggestions, Anita?
Jerry VOltura
Some practices helpful to me have been:
1) Letting students know you there to help them succeed; they need to know (and be reminded) they you are there to be a resource for them. This can take the form of active involvement in discussions as well as use of technology
2) Showing them you've used the technology and it has worked for other students; this helps them know it's not something they need to fear, but rather something to help them meet their educational goals.
Jerry Voltura
we should always make sure that as instructors we provide all the necessary tools to be successful
One of the major things online instructors can do to help students embrace active learning is by explaining the reason it is being used in the course. Student will need to understand the benefits of active learning. The instructor should also provide examples of what is expected from active learning since many students may not be familiar with the concept. I also think the instructor should share the expected learning outcomes so students will not be under the impression that they are not learning anything because the instructor is not lecturing or presenting information to them.
Sharon,
Yes, so many students still need to be oriented to active learning especially if they have been out of education for awhile.
Renee Shaffer
One method I find that helps students embrace any activity is to: (1) find a short, fun activity that introduces them to the nature of active learning, and (2) explain to them the goals and benefits of this type of activity. This isn't the magic bullet, and many students (particularly those with a consumer mentality about education) will still be skeptical but its a place to start.
Sarah,
Oh, those students who always want "more time" or the chance to do "make up work" or extra credit. I also don't give in because I do feel that is "enabling" them to continue this behavior in other classes and in life.
Renee Shaffer
In an eight week course, I have three assignments that require active learning. Every week, we have discussions that are student driven and those work well to prepare the class members to trust each on larger assignments. Admittedly, my active learning assignments require students to work in small groups and logistics can make this frustrating. I usually have three students who don't participate and beg for an extra paper to make up the grade. However, I don't give in, although I may grant extra time to work together. A student can still pass if he or she avoids one active learning assignment, but more than one omission wul result in a failing grade.
Once students see what others have done and how much they enjoyed the assignment, they are more open to trying the next time.
Antoine,
Student must want something for themeselves. We cannot force them to want to learn.
Renee Shaffer
I think we must be honest with the students and let them know they will get out of it what they put into it when it comes to active learning but as instructor we assist in provide the tools and skills needed to succeed. With active learning we must show the students they will develop good thinking
skills as they will be asked to solve problems by collecting, analyzing, interpret and represent data/information.
Stanley,
Yes, the students often need to be "baited" with something to make it worth their while to attend class. At this morning's 8;30am class, they were offered 4 extra points on their midterm for participating and winning the scavenger hunt
Renee Shaffer
What is your average weekly attendance in your chats? Can you count on students regularly attending from week to week?
In my writing course, I have found the best way to entice at least a couple students to attend is to offer to review their topic sentence outlines for the week's paper they are asked to write.
This is very importand that the student knows the Instructor is available to him/her not only for the regular work but also for help.
Hi Paula:
As with anything...it is all about communication. Even in the online environment, we must learn how to motivate each individual student. As with F2F communication and interaction, we know that everyone has a primary style by which they are most comfortable with relative to engaging in learning. I just hate when people read to me :-).
Dr. Christi Monk, DM
Hello:
Instructors can set clear expectations for the students by discussing the benefits of active learning in the online environment. I have seen students become more actively engaged by using Youtube videos as a form of lecture and supplemental information. Typically students believe the online is easier, but it all actuality online is about continuous engagement and involvement. The instructor has to use several mediums to help keep the students connected. Instructors have to use the latest technology to ensure all audiences can be reached.
Dr. Christi Monk, DM
That sounds like a great idea. Often times, we will default to discussing course and assignment requirements to start, but what better way to get them interested in coming on time than being o the spot to present. What if students can't attend the chat?
