Active Learning

Active learning is crucial in your ability to study and to be successful in school.  Active learning is when you are engaged in the material in a way that stimulates your brain to learn.  Passive learning is where a student is sitting in class listening to a lecture but is not retaining any of the material.  To increase active learning in the classroom check out some great tips!

  1. Sit on the front row in class and interact with the instructor by asking questions and dialoging.
  2. If you class is a lecture engage your brain as much as possible by taking notes, drawing pictures, following along in your book, ect.
  3. Be prepared for class!  By reading your assignments before class you can have questions and already be ready to discuss important issues in class.
  4. Study within two hours after class by going over your notes and adding pictures, page numbers, and other notes that will help you retain the material.
  5. Study with a partner to discuss notes, work problems, and come up with test questions.
  6. Rewrite your notes and talk out loud to yourself.
  7. Draw out your notes in a flow chart, organize your notes into an excel spreadsheet, or color code your notes.
  8. Tutor another student.
  9. Write out possible exam questions and take the exam.
  10. Record the lecture or yourself reading your notes and listen to them while driving.

Active Learning Web Sites

  • Definitions of Active Learning (University of California at Davis)

       http://trc.ucdavis.edu/trc/ta/tatips/activelearning.pdf

  • Professional Development Module on Active Learning

       http://www.texascollaborative.org/activelearning.htm

  • Active and Cooperative Learning (R.M. Felder)

       http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Cooperative_Learning.html

  • Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom (Charles C. Bonwell & James A. Eison)

       http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/91-9dig.htm

  • Active Learning for the College Classroom (Donald R. Paulson & Jennifer L. Faust)

       http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/chem/chem2/Active/main.htm

  • The Active Learning Site
        http://www.active-learning-site.com/index.html