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► Active Learning Techniques
Defining Active Learning
Active learning includes a wide range of activities and assessments that support student learning, accessibility, and equity in the classroom. Active learning strategies invite students to participate in, contribute to, and reflect on new information, concepts, and skills.
The Impact of Active Learning
- Courses that implement active learning strategies have a positive impact on student learning as measured by performance on exams and other assessments, as well as by course grades (Freeman et al. 2014).
- Active learning benefits students from minoritized groups and can support the reduction of equity gaps at the course level (Theobald et al. 2020).
- While students may perceive that they are learning more in more passive lecture settings, students learn more in active learning settings. Student buy-in can be achieved by communicating transparently about the benefits of active learning (Deslauriers et al. 2019).
Strategies for Active Learning
The guides below provide resources on active learning strategies and how to align them with learning outcomes. There are techniques for in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online course formats, as well as for courses across disciplines.These strategies work best when the instructor (and TA team) is actively involved in facilitating and organizing the activities, responding to student questions, and providing feedback.
TLC Guides to Active Learning
Active Learning Techniques
Active Learning Techniques Continuum
Additional Resources
Cynthia Brame’s Active Learning guide provides an in-depth discussion of the research and theoretical basis for active learning, as well as additional examples of strategies.
See Also
Assessment
Class Discussions
Collaborative Learning & Group Work