Teaching Guides & Resources > Teaching Strategy & Pedagogy > Engaging Students

Active Learning in Action

Engaging students effectively often relies on incorporating active learning strategies that foster deeper involvement and interaction. Active learning strategies move students beyond passive listening and get them actively involved in the learning process, encouraging participation and critical thinking. This approach encompasses a broad range of teaching strategies, from short activities like journal writing and paired discussions to more extensive methods such as case studies and team-based learning.

Some examples include:

  • Group discussion: Divide students into small groups and assign a topic or question for them to discuss, encouraging everyone to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
  • Problem-solving activities: Present students with a problem related to the lesson content and have them work individually or in groups to find and present solutions.
  • Minute paper: Have students spend one minute writing about what they know about a topic, or what was confusing.
  • Peer teaching: Pair students and have them teach each other a concept or topic they have learned, reinforcing their understanding through explanation and discussion.
  • Think-pair-share: Have students first think about a question or problem individually, then pair up to discuss their thoughts with a partner or group. After, they share their insights and conclusions with the larger group, facilitating a deeper understanding through collective discussion.
  • Exit ticket: Have students write down their understanding of the topic, questions they still have, or reflections on what they've learned in the last few minutes of class. This feedback can be used to gauge comprehension and identify areas that need clarification.
  • Muddiest point: Ask students to write down the most confusing or least clear part of the lesson, helping you identify areas that need further clarification.
  • Gamification: Integrate game elements like points, badges, or competition into learning activities to motivate and engage students in the lesson content.
  • Group projects: Assign a project that requires students to work together over a period of time to research, plan, and create a final product, promoting collaboration and deeper understanding.
  • Case studies: Provide students with a real-world scenario related to the lesson content and have them analyze the case, identify problems, and propose solutions through group discussion and research.

These can be integrated into any discipline to foster deeper understanding and retention of material. By incorporating these methods, faculty can create dynamic and inclusive learning environments that enhance student engagement and achievement. Additional resources on active learning strategies can be found below.

Resources