Katrika Sterling-Jackson

Active learning deepens critical thinking skills. In the 21st century, businesses are looking for critical thinkers who can evaluate information, analyze complex situations, solve problems, and recognize that they don’t always have to be right.Mistakes are inevitable, with learning occurring from the mistakes. Paul & Elder (2021) posit that critical thinking is a process for analyzing how we think about our own thinking.

Developing critical thinking requires progressing through stages of learning, each of which enhances students' ability to think critically. Aristotle’s contributions reflect reasoning grounded in ethos, pathos, and logos. Logos is categorized as deductive reasoning grounded in… >>>

Active learning can be labor-intensive, so letting the students know ahead of time to bring balance is key. Determining the technology tools the online instructor may use to enhance active learning can take some effort and thought about the course. Tools that support collaboration and project learning include wikis, blogs, discussion boards, and audio/video tools.

Actively learning has many positive traits; however, there are internal and external barriers, namely institutional behaviors, climate, and technology issues, involved in successfully using active learning techniques.  Students graduating from K-12 learning environments may not realize they are learning when instructors utilize active learning techniques.  If an online instructor uses mobile technology, such as an iPad or smartphone, for GPS tracking, interviews, photos, etc., the instructor must ensure that all students can adequately complete the assignments, whether or not they have the technology.Technology is wonderful for active learning, but it must be used equitably.

Allowing students to take control of their own learning is essential, as the lecture-style of traditional pedagogy is ineffective. Allowing students to actively take control and assume the role of coach breathes life into the learning environment. "Letting go" of control is fundamental, and allowing students to think critically, solve problems, and draw conclusions greatly enhances the learning environment. Active learning techniques force students into educational situations that require them to think rather than just memorize.