Critical thinking is a real life skill we can help our students develop. This can be an uncomfortable process for some as this may be a new skill. Group work as well as adequate time for students to assemble their thoughts can ease some of this discomfort. 

Choose 2-3 active learning activities to use in a class. I love to teach students who are prepared for class and ready to discuss points of leaning vs. be lectured. Giving student opportunities speak and present to other students items they have learned increase understanding and application in real world scineros. 

It is important to communicate with your students about the types of learning you will be doing in class and what it purposes are. Some of these activities may take longer or shorter than expected and they should be prepared for that. 

Students are responsible for their own learning. Our role is to help facilitate that process. 

Active learning doesn't have to add a lot time in planning lessons but can help students better understand the material.