Some learn best while following instructions,
some learn best while reading and others learn while doing. Active learning is anything that involves students
doing things and thinking about what they are doing. Anything that engages the
student in an experiential activity-based lesson can be classified as active
learning. In this method, the responsibility of learning lies with the student.
Studies show that active learning strategies are much better recalled, enjoyed
and understood as compared to passive learning or the lecture format.
Active learning is based on the simple
principle that people generally remember 90% of what they do as compared to 20%
of what they hear and only 10% of what they read. Students absorb new knowledge
through organizing information and manipulating material rather than just
reading, listening and note-taking. Active learning increases student interest,
motivation and attendance. The best part is that the student learns to take
learning into their hands. They learn how to monitor their own learning and
invest in class to succeed.
Active learning can be used in a number of
cases to supplement traditional teaching methods. Create opportunities to
involve students in the process of learning. Here are a few useful examples:
1.
Peer
Teaching: Assign a topic to students, ask them to
research, gather information and prepare a presentation. The presentation can
be done in groups, pairs or individually. Students feel more comfortable and
open interacting with their peers.
2.
Field
Visit: This is a chance for students to learn
outside the classroom. The activity can be planned as an incentive and an
opportunity to further their learning. Take for example a visit to a
neighboring dam to learn about the importance of water for living and
agriculture. Allow time for pre-visit research and class discussions. During
the visit, groups of students can experience various elements of what goes into
building a dam, measuring the width of the dam, drawing the kinds of vegetation
surrounding the dam, participating in a talk by one of the government
engineers. After the visit, groups can exchange information through
presentations or reports.
3.
Flipped
Classroom: In the traditional model, teachers give
lectures in the classroom, students take notes, teachers assign homework,
students complete assignments and are graded accordingly. In the flipped
classroom, lectures are delivered online at their own pace, communicating with
peers and teachers via online discussions and the classroom is used as a place
for activity and engagement-based learning. This method gives students the
chance to absorb information in a relaxed environment, taking the time they
need to grasp new concepts and in the classroom it gives them the opportunity
learn through activity. The classroom becomes a safe learning environment where
questions are encouraged and doubts are cleared. Teachers can be more hands-on
with concepts that students don’t understand and support students in solving
problems in class.
4.
Minute
Paper: Even in a regular lecture based class,
teachers can make an effort to include active learning practices. One of the
techniques found to be exceptionally rewarding is the one minute pause. In this
method, the lecture is paused just for a minute and students are asked to hand
in a short assignment on what they have just learnt. Introducing a writing
activity in the middle of the listening activity not only provides a
much-needed change of pace, but also makes sure the students attention span is
maximized.
5.
Think-Pair-Share:
Have students first work on a problem individually and then compare answers
with their partners and present their findings to the class. This technique
incorporates peer learning and group work.
6.
Brainstorming:
Pose a problem and ask for solutions from the class. Provide enough time for
teams to collate possible solutions and discuss the best possible outcomes.
Interactive learning techniques can help boost the confidence of the students
and encourage teamwork.
7.
Pass
the problem: Add a twist to the brainstorming sessions by
introducing a folder in which one group’s solution is collected and passed on
to the next group for the next level of problem-solving. This way the more
complex the question, the more participative the solution becomes.
8.
Icebreaker
Review: Best suited to the first class of the term,
this activity serves as an introductory crash course. Write a set of 10-20
questions pertaining to topics you would expect the students to know about from
the previous term. Each student gets a card with one question and its answer.
The task is to find the answer to all the questions. Students exchange
information and review answers together until all the required information is
with each of them.
9.
The
Fish Bowl: A simple and easy-to-implement technique to
encourage students to ask questions without hesitation. At the end of the
class, each student writes down his/her question and places it in the
fishbowl/cardboard box/hat. The most asked question can be the topic for
discussion in the next class.
10.
Student
Debate: An interactive method to provoke research
and discussion. Students have to present their point of view with relevant
supporting arguments. This technique not only encourages verbal presentation
but also shows both sides of the story when it comes to challenging topics.
Active Learning Techniques are not only
beneficial to the students but also the teacher. Active participation from the
students ensures that concepts are understood not only in their rudimentary
form but also in their application in problem-solving. Methods like peer
teaching and the flipped classroom save precious time on both sides of the
classroom.
