It is interesting to note that student-centered learning is being driven more and more because of the online learning environment. My full-time job is at a community college and, we have been really trying to get away from the "sage on the stage" type of teaching to more active learning.
I do like how the learning environment was broken down into three components. It makes this something to be aware of when trying to effectively reach the students.
Active learning is a movement away from the traditional "sage on the stage". Instead, students will participate in the learning process through various approaches: reflection, discussion, dyad/triad projects, etc. The instructor facilitates learning by gently guiding students through and to the important material.
As an instructor, our role in active learning is to guide our students and provide them the resources they need to thrive.
My take away was active learning can be done in different ways, just not in lectures. Engage students to think, discuss, investigate etc:
Engaging students in the learning process is crucial to maintaining their interest. Teachers should be available to guide students throughout their journey.
Students need to be responsible for their own learning. And as such, they should think about how they best learn new material. Once they figure that out, engage in activities or whatever strategies they think strengthens and promotes their learning. They should challenge themselves to become stronger students and not rely so much on the instructor to tell them what they need to know or learn!
That lectures don't really help in learning. Instructors need to be more creative in the teaching techniques.
Comment on Eileen Epsaro's post:
Students should take resposibility for their own learing and improving their knowledge base. As educators, we can share our experiences, create assignments for students to work as a group and encourage individual learning techniques.
I love active learning and this course has given me a broader view of what is considered active learning. I think that working with the material during class, helps students learn what they don't know. Sometimes a student doesn't know what they don't know. I think it is engaging and helps steer their study time. I like learning in a community. If a student is stuck during class, they can ask me or another student for help with the activity. They can learn from each other.
I learned with active learning that it is no longer the instructor giving a lecture and the student listening and taking notes. Active learning means involving the student and getting them to lead their learning. Good methods of active learning are games, break out groups, group projects, etc.
The thing that stands out to me in active learning is the importance of a student-centered approach. I love the idea of guiding students and making the course more focused on positive communication.
With active learning, students play an integral part in the learning process because they are responsible for their education. With active learning, students "do" and be actively involved which helps them "learn". I intend to provide students with opportunities to apply the content learnt by assigning case studies and presentations on topics of interest.
Active learning changes the role of the instructor from sage on the stage to guide on the side. It may take students and instructors time to adjust to their new roles. Students need to be more involved and engaged in the classroom. They can't just sit and zone out. Instructors need to disengage, allowing students to participate in their learning process.
I noticed in active learning, anything a student does in the learning environment, besides passively listening to a lecture, is active learning. Students help construct their own knowledge rather than being “force fed” information which is then easily forgotten.
Active learning is an educational approach that involves students engaging in activities, discussions, problem-solving activities and discussions that require their active participation, rather than passively receiving information through lecture or readings.
Importance of active learning:
1: Enhanced retention.
2: Improved Understanding.
3: Increased motivation.
4: Preparation for real world challenges.
5: Collaborative skills.
I feel that active learning is defined as "anything that involves students doing things and thinking about the things they are doing". Active learning encourages students to find ways to strengthen their resilience. Helps students become more determined when solving problems.
I learned that some active learning techniques are a bit harder to implement in asynchronous courses. I have had students engage in discussion groups and give peer feedback but would like to add more active learning.
Learning is not only about the content but is also about the process. Active learning develops the student's autonomy and their ability to learn. Active learning gives students greater involvement and control over their learning.
I appreciated learning about the different types of active learning and plan on using a mixture of the different types in my courses.
Active learning is crucial for our 21st-century students, most of whom are digital natives. Allowing the students to play an active role in their education and learning makes them then accountable and responsible for what they retain and remember. This is quintessential in today's virtual and F2F classrooms. Instructors must be flexible and possess an acute awareness of the degree of diversity that exists in their classroom, as well as the variety of learning styles that exist as well. With this knowledge, the instructor will more successfully create a student-centered, active learning environment.
