Active learning requires modification of traditional methods of assessment. Rubrics can aid in this process. The use of technology can assist in the mastery of course content in a student-centered approach..diversification of skill sets within group projects can lead to students showcasing their strengths in order to aid the group as a whole.
I like that I have a clear assignment: research and use 3-5 active learning strategies that I will incorporate into the course.
It is always important to consider the physical/technological and the student constraints to planned active learning activities. It is important that all activities are equally accessible to students. Rubrics should be detailed and must apply directly to the course learning outcomes.
I would apply both of these tenets in my approach as a student-centered instructor.
Implementing active learning strategies is critical for student-centered teaching. Incorporating elements like videos, scavenger hunts, and group projects can allow students different avenues for engaging with the material on their own terms. It places the instructor into a facilitator role and is very important as the world of higher education moves forward to critical thinking and "doing" oriented goals.
Rubrics are very useful for establishing a certain level of expectations and are helpful when grading student or group work.
Incorporating active learning strategies doesn't have to time intensive or high risk. Start small with purposeful low-risk activities like discussion boards or breakout groups. You can build in the trust of the students as they are successful in small ways by giving timely feedback and encouraging their engagement. As students and instructors before more comfortable with active learning, more high-stakes projects can be used.
Active Learning should include reading, reflective writing, displaying, and doing. Students must be given paramaters, requirements, and time allotment before setting out to complete an assignment. The lessons should be relevant to students and demonstrate a reason for why the assignment is important to their education.
The importance of rubrics, not only for the instructor when explaining expectations and grading, but for the students to self-monitor during their preparation of an assignment.
Comment on Melanie Pariseau's post: Engagement of online courses or blended are reliant upon active learning!!
Interacting with students in my synchronus class using questions, feedback, real life scenarios and why what we're learning is important, has been tremendously helpful in students retaining info
Active Learning is a wonderful tool for the instructor that helps each student to learn at their fullest potential. An instructor must be willing and positive to introduce active learning to their students. I really liked that active learning students have a chance to complete a self-reflection.
Kasey McCusker
Modifications are changes in what students are expected to learn, based on their individual abilities. Examples of modifications include use of alternate books, pass/no pass grading option, reworded questions in simpler language, daily feedback to a student
Both students and facilitators should have technology available and know how to use the technology to best advantage. Students also need clear understanding of what is required of them and why. Rubrics help to explain where a student succeeded and where they fell short. Rubrics make grading easier and allow for less misunderstanding.
Students must be informed of how much time the assignments could take to complete to allow students to manage their time. Rubrics are important for both the students and instructors to use their time efficiently and have transparency for grading.
I see in this section very important points in quality teaching even for traditional method. Engaging students. Targeted feedback. Guiding students pryects and presentations. Active discussions in group. Assesment of learned material. All of this are great tools in active learning teaching.
Rubrics are good tools for instructors to utilize, not only for themselves, but for guiding their students in an active learning, on-line setting.
"The process ot learning should be seen as positive for both the instructor and the students, and should be vibrant and full of life...."
It is important for students to be involved and engaged in their learning and for the instructors to guide them so they can have a good experience and be successful in their courses/classes.
There needs to be a blend between online learning and classroom learning.
I really enjoyed this quote from the text:
As K. Patricia Cross states, “learning is not so much an additive process, with new learning simply piling up on top of existing knowledge, as it is an active, dynamic process in which the connections are constantly changing and the structure reformatted.” As instructors, we often think of this idea of just adding information and knowledge to our students' already existing knowledge, so that when they graduate they have this jar full of knowledge and experience to take with them into a career. But without building these connections and structures between ideas, information, experiences, then students won't be able to access this information or make decisions based on newly acquired knowledge.
