Active learning

Active learning in class involves students reading, writing, discussing or engaging in problems that involve higher order thinking tasks, such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation (Bonwell & Eison, 1991).

Teaching in higher education is changing (White et al., 2016). We are becoming more aware that if we treat our students like passive receptacles of information, we are missing opportunities for effective learning and engagement. The challenge for teachers is to find ways to engage learners to align their current knowledge with the learning goals of a particular course, and promote critical thinking and intellectual openness (McGonigal, 2005).

  Explore the Australian University Teaching Committee's exemplars, guides and tools Links to an external site. for designing active learning experiences.