Active learning: What do the experts say?

Many of us feel too time poor to add anything more to our teaching sessions (lectures, tutorials or even demonstration labs). This is often due to the huge amounts of content that we need to get through in our unit. However, without activity, our students cannot continue to engage with the content we present. Employing active learning strategies requires a careful balance between providing appropriate levels of support and challenge (Hunt & Chalmers, 2012); it is a balancing act that is crucial for student engagement and success.

play.png reflect.png  Activity 4. What is active learning?

Watch the following two short video clips of teaching staff from the University of Wollongong who describe active learning and discuss the benefits of using active learning in their disciplines. 

 After watching these two clips, consider:

  •     the benefits of using active learning in your teaching;
  •     the ways you could include more activity in your lessons; and
  •     possible challenges you might encounter, and how you could meet those challenges.