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Active Learning

Active Learning 2024-07-08T08:15:19+00:00

Active Learning

 

How does active learning relate to student engagement?

Venn diagram showing relation between motivation, active learning, and student engagementBarkley (2010, p. 6) describes student learning as the product of active learning and motivation.  She describes it as the product, rather than the sum, since both must exist.  An instructor might be using dozens of active learning techniques throughout a course, but if the students are not motivated to learn, then student engagement will not occur.  Likewise, an instructor who works to increase student motivation (i.e. through culturally responsive teaching) but uses non-active teaching techniques (i.e. lecture, reading assignments) may not be able to build engagement in the course.

Motivation and active learning work together synergistically, the whole being more than the sum of the parts.  Barkley further describes the relationship in a double helix model, in which “active learning and motivation are spirals working together in synergistically, building in intensity” (p. 7).

 Active learning techniques

Active learning techniques help reinforce course content through scaffolding.  They also help the students connect personally with the content, and can help build classroom community.

There are many techniques instructors use that lead to active learning since they call upon the learner to think, process, analyze, reflect, write, or problem solve.  They can increase motivation since most students will find them interesting or helpful for their learning, especially if aligned to the objectives.

These techniques can be found everywhere – books, websites, workshops, chatting with other instructors, and so forth.  Cornell’s Center for Teaching Innovation has some tips for getting started with active learning techniques.  The University of Central Florida Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning maintains a list of  101 active learning techniques (at last check, the list had grown to a few hundred).

All of the tools are useful for increasing student motivation and active learning – the two overarching goals of student engagement.

Professional development opportunities

Jan 02

Winter Wellness Day

January 2, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

 

Additional resources and scholarship

 

Reference

Barkley, E.F. (2010). Student engagement techniques: A handbook for college faculty.  Jossey-Bass.