Definition:

"A process of learning new ideas, skills and attitudes through what we do at work or in other behavioral situations. It is about learning from doing, performing, and taking action. The action can be either mental (e.g. reflection) or physical (e.g. case study). It uses such devices as games, simulations, introspection, role playing, etc." - NEIU“Active learning emphasizes the application of theory and concepts by involving students in the learning process through the use of “problem-solving exercises, informal small groups, simulations, case studies, role-playing, and other activities.” Students are better able to understand concepts when having to think about and apply the information (Auster, Wylie, 2006, p4). Other terms used to describe active learning are interactive instruction and experiential learning (Smart, Csapo, 2007).

Active Learning Explained:

Active Learning is a self explanatory term. Active learning can be described as a process of learning new ideas (Diance Ehrlich, 2000). This process of learning requires live activities. Active learning consists of engaging the learner in real and live activities. In Business, an example of active learning could be a Business Strategy simulation game. In a class room, Active Learning can consist of engaging the students in doing more lab work. A good way to describe Active Learning is to associate this term with "Learning By Doing" (Diance Ehrlich, 2000).

Image taken from EduTechnorama

Is there a need for it?

With the ever growing call for "evidence-based education", Active Learning is going to continue being utilized as the content that is acquired from Active Learning can be inferred to be evidence based. The need to utilize more learning has become a national matter for the K-12 education. (Michael, 2006)

Does it work?

Based on some research and numerous article written, it has been researched that Active Learning does engage the user in better learning. The research also reveals how Active Learning, the process of learning by doing, can enhance learning and deliver better results. It is further mentioned that the traditional (non-active) method of learning can produce less effective results. (Richardson, 2008)

How do we implement active learning in the classroom as teachers?

The active learning must be based on a specific learning objective and goal (Smart, Csapo, 2007). First of all the teacher must prepare and plan thoroughly for the lesson content and process of instruction for the delivery (Auster, Wylie, 2006).

Here are two links to websites that have several active learning strategies that teachers can use in their classroom. http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/tutorials/active/strategies.html and http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/chem/chem2/Active/

This is an YouTube video showing the use of the Smartboard for active learning strategies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvmr7kB5iPA

References:

Auster, E, & Wylie, K (2006). Creating Active Learning in the Classroom: A Systematic Approach. Journal of Management Education: Sage Publications, 30, Retrieved May 11, 2008, from http://jme.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/30/2/333.

Diance Ehrlich, P. (2000, 01). Glossary of Terms. Retrieved 05 04, 2008, from HRD 411: Consulting in HRD: http://www.neiu.edu/~dbehrlic/hrd408/glossary.htm

Michael, J. (2006). Where's the evidence that active learning works? Advances in Physiology Education , 30 no. 4, 159-67.

Richardson, D. (2008). Don't dump the didactic lecture; fix it. Advances in Physiology Education , 32 no. 1, 23-4.

Smart, K, & Csapo, N (2007). Learning by Doing: Engaging Students Through Learner-Centered. Business Communication Quarterly: Sage Publications, 70, Retrieved May 11, 2007, from http://0-bcq.sagepub.com.opac.library.csupomona.edu/cgi/reprint/70/4/451.pdf.

External Links:

Active Learning Research Summaries

Good Practice Uses Active Learning Techniques

Creating Excitement in the Classroom

Active Learning Model