Research shows that using active learning strategies in the classroom is effective for all learners. While the term active learning is not new, perceptions of what active learning look like are shifting. Active learning no longer has to appear as organized chaos in the classroom. Instead, active learning is engaging students in a manner that may or may not be hands-on, but always engages a student’s mind.
When implementing active learning into your classroom, make sure you are intentional. First ask yourself, 1) What are my learning objectives?, 2) What activities/assessments will help my students be successful on the identified learning objectives?, 3) Are there any active learning strategies that will extend the activities/assessments?. Being intentional in what active learning strategies you implement makes a huge difference and increases the likelihood students will be successful.
There are many effective active learning strategies, but the infographic I created below highlights a few that I always found effective in my classroom (both K-12 and higher ed). If you try any, let me know how it goes.
