Active Learning

Summary

Active learning techniques engage and motivate students. Active learning is a process by which students think critically, read, write, discuss, problem solve, and teach each other in a way that promotes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Barkley, 2014). The course should contain a combination of synchronous and asynchronous active learning activities, with a balance of individual work and group collaboration. InterPro can provide templates and consultation for active learning design.

Active learning is the core of InterPro’s instructional model for online learning.

Application

InterPro’s instructional design model focuses on active learning and multiple modes of interaction. This affords multiple opportunities for students to engage with course materials through the Absorb-Do-Connect model, interact with each other, as well as the instructor. Another key component of our model is the use of regularly scheduled synchronous (live) web conferences, which help to create community and engender social presence in the course.

DoIT Blended Learning Toolkit, Active Learning In Your Course. 2nd Edition. Active Learning In Your Course is a downloadable PDF authored by DoIT Academic Technology. This resource helps instructors identify and implement research-based active learning techniques in their courses.

DoIT Active Teaching Lab. Interested in learning more about how your peers are utilizing active learning at UW-Madison? Join in the regularly scheduled Active Learning Lab sessions. Sessions are archived for those who cannot participate in person, and the archives are rich with additional information.