Documentation:FlISWModuleActiveLearningHigherEdRowshanV2

Time to complete this module

30 minutes

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Provide at least 3 definitions that can describe Active Learning .
• Using one or more of the definitions, discuss whether a given teaching technique could be considered Active Learning.
• Using a list of Active Learning Techniques for Higher Education, identify a few techniques which might and might not work in your own discipline.

Watch

Please watch the following video to have a general idea of what Active Learning could involve.

Read

Now, having learned about what is most commonly considered as Active Learning, let's prepare for some critical analysis to see if there are any loopholes or exceptions up there! Let's look for a broader yet more precise definition for Active Learning, that can enable us to identify whether a given teaching technique is an instance of Active Learning. Below are 3 different definitions:

• Definition A: Students are actively engaged in the creation of knowledge. Focused on things that are important to the learners. (Adams & Burns, 1999)
• Definition B: Individuals work together to solve a mutual problem. Each student must actively contribute to the group.
• Definition C: Getting students actively involved in their own learning and establishing a connection between the learner and the learning object. (Carey & Bowen, 2000)

Analyze

Now, consider the following teaching techniques. Using the Comments box below, please discuss whether you believe each of them could be an instance of Active Learning. In your argument, 1) mention which of the above definitions you are using (A, B, C, or a combination) and 2) briefly state your reasons. Does any of your answers seem to be in disagreement with the above video? If so, please defend your argument with reference to the definition you have chosen to use.

1. Students sitting quietly, listening to a lecture
2. Individual students solving a physics problem in class, without the permission to talk to one another
3. Different students reading out designated sections of a particular chapter of a textbook throughout the class, so that the whole chapter is covered by the end of the class

Use the Comments box below to discuss your views. Please reply to at least one (1) other participant's comment to explain if and why you agree/disagree with them.

Discuss

Download the list of Active Learning Techniques for Higher Education (link above) and familiarize yourself with the techniques. We will use this list in more depth during the workshop. For now, please review the document and picking from the provided list of techniques:

• Mention two (2) techniques that you think could be used in your particular discipline.
• Mention one (1) technique that you believe cannot be implemented in an actual classroom setting in your discipline. Briefly mention why you believe it cannot be used.

Use the Comments box below to discuss your views.

Go Further

• Read pages 67 to 80 in your ISW manual.
• Learn about different classifications of active learning in Webster University's Active Learning Handbook [1]
• See UBC Wiki (Active Learning)