Using Active Learning to Enhance Critical Learning | Origin: EL113
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Active Learning in an Online Environment --> Using Active Learning to Enhance Critical Learning
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Problem-based learning is very applicable to my classes. Helping students develop critical thinking skills will help them pass their boards and succeed in the work force.
Problem based learning helps students work through problems and facilitates active learning.
Within this section of the module, I was intrigued by a number of points, but here I will mention two of them: (1) According to research studies, most people who lose their jobs is because they lack “people skills” in getting along with their colleagues, which is why having students in small and large groups working collaboratively together on a project is essential in building people skills and emotional intelligence; and (2) another way of having students exercise their critical thinking skills is by having them “teach instructors,” for example, by developing a glossary of terms or a resource guide that the instructor can use at a later date. Instructors should have assignments arranged beyond having students memorize facts. Students need to have the element of application in their coursework so that they can have a bigger picture as to how the facts (whatever they have memorized) can be applied to the real world.
I learned that critical thinking skills can benefit students' overall learning and help them become better thinkers. Instructors can support students by helping them develop critical thinking skills, which in turn enables them to become better problem solvers and enter their career paths equipped with the necessary skills. Instead of asking for simple answers, I plan to give assignments that require much deeper thinking.
Critical thinking is improved through active learning. I will incorporate more problem based learning scenarios so that students have the opportunity to look at something from multiple angles.
I learned that active learning can strengthen critical thinking by requiring students to engage more deeply through discussion, reflection, and problem-solving rather than passive listening. I plan to apply this by designing activities that encourage analysis, participation, and real-world application so students become more involved in their own learning.
"For students to be able to understand their own point of view, add to that knowledge base and come out “on the other side” with a hybrid of knowledge is true evidence of critical thinking".
I love this statement because when this happens with a student it is very rewarding. With todays technology and information being available at the touch of a finger, it is easy to "adopt" a point of view because someone else said, thought, or posted this point of view. Allowing a student to explain, question, open their minds to other points of view, question again. research, and then come out with a well-thought out knowledge base on the "point of view" is rewarding. I might also say empowering for the student as well.
Comment on Kelsey Britten's post: encourage creativity and different perspectives
Active learning activities should stimulate critical thinking and collaborative group work
our posts should be meaningful and evoke critical thinking from our students
Activities should be designed to promote collaborative learning and to enhance critical thinking skills.
Helping to learn and adapt to critical thinking.
I really like the idea of having the students work on collaborative and small group projects and then share that with the larger group. See, say, do is a way that I myself learn and so I like the idea of problem-based learning styles shared here.
Problem based learning allows students to enhance their critical thinking skills with the help of their fellow classmates and instructor
It is important to have the students apply learning objectives to things that they can personally relate to.
Active learning strategies such as case studies, simulations, and real‑world projects help students strengthen their critical‑thinking skills by applying knowledge to authentic scenarios. These approaches require learners to analyze information, make decisions, and justify their reasoning, They are key components of deeper learning.
Asking open‑ended questions is another powerful method for promoting critical analysis. These types of questions encourage students to move beyond simple recall and engage in thoughtful interpretation, evaluation, and problem‑solving. Facilitating debates can further stimulate critical engagement by exposing students to diverse viewpoints and requiring them to articulate and defend their claims.
Other effective strategies include reflective writing and self‑assessment, which allow students to process their learning, identify gaps in understanding, and develop metacognitive awareness. Teaching students to evaluate sources—by distinguishing evidence from opinion and identifying credible information—also strengthens their ability to think critically and make informed judgments.
Comment on Vicki Hoppe's post: Exactly. Nicely stated.
Group-based work, co-operative/collaborative learning, and problem-based learning are all great tools for online learning. I need to evaluate what, when, and how to implement the necessary measures to achieve the goal of student learning and critical thinking. My engagement must start with deliberately planned strategies within my course. I definitely plan to change my methods to use more active learning rather than lecturing.
