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.
The module discusses the value of active learning rather than just offering answers. It honors that there is often more than one right answer and encourages collaboration.
Using active learning to enhance critical learning means shifting students from receiving information to actively questioning, analyzing, and applying it. Instead of memorizing facts, students engage with problems, debate ideas, evaluate evidence, and make connections that deepen their understanding. Active learning drives critical thinking because it requires students to interpret, justify, and reflect rather than repeat.
I plan to implement this by using small, purposeful moments of analysis into regular class activities. When introducing new content, I can pause for quick concept checks that ask students to explain why something works, not just what it is. During discussions, I can use brief case scenarios that require students to weigh options or defend their points. Simple think‑pair‑share moments can push students to articulate their reasoning and listen for gaps or strengths in their peers’ thinking. My goal is to create a learning environment where students stay mentally active, practice evaluating information, and build the confidence to question and interpret ideas on their own.
I like Elizabeth's mention of developing "People Skills," in students through collaborative groups facilitating critical thinking skills. Dental Hygiene requires developing a rapport with the patient as well as practicing professional skills. So the more we as instructors can set up environments that support both the people skill development as well as the professional competency, the better we can nurture and grow both skills at once.
I learned the about the multiple active learning techniques online instructors can use to engage the students.
Active learning is important in the student-centered classroom. Critical thinking allows students to develop the skills needed to solve future problems. Problem based learning builds critical thinking, teamwork, and real world problem solving skills that will be useful in the workplace after graduation as well.
Problem based learning is important because it builds critical thinking, clinical reasoning, teamwork, and real world problem solving skills.
I think the problem-based technique can be used in most any classroom and does go toward helping the students in learning critical thinking skills. Many students have not been asked to learn these skills in other jobs.
This module reinforced how active learning is essential for developing critical thinking skills, especially in an online environment. I learned that instead of focusing on memorization, active learning encourages students to analyze, evaluate, question, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. One key takeaway for me is the importance of teaching students how to evaluate sources of information, which is especially relevant today with the overwhelming amount of information available online.
I was particularly interested in the role of problem-based learning (PBL). This approach allows students to work through real-world scenarios, consider multiple perspectives, and understand that there is often more than one correct way to solve a problem. As some of the discussion highlighted, this helps students move beyond rigid thinking and become more open-minded and adaptable—skills that are essential in both academic and professional settings.
Another important point is that critical thinking is strengthened through collaboration and reflection. Activities such as group work, discussions, and even having students “teach” concepts (like creating glossaries or resource guides) push them to engage more deeply with the material. These strategies also help build communication and teamwork skills, which are just as important as content knowledge.
Going forward, I plan to apply this by:
Incorporating problem-based learning scenarios that reflect real-world challenges
Designing assignments that require analysis and evaluation, not just recall
Encouraging students to question sources and support their reasoning
Using collaborative activities where students can share perspectives and learn from each other
Including reflection activities to help students connect what they learn to real-life applications
Overall, this module helped me see that active learning is not just about engagement—it’s about helping students become independent thinkers and problem solvers. By intentionally designing activities that promote critical thinking, I can better prepare students for both academic success and real-world challenges.
teaching students to evaluate sources of information.
It is very important to be familiar with problem based learning.
I am excited to use problem based learning in the classroom. A lot of the people who have been in the field a while and new grads i work with think their was is the only way. I think if handled correctly it could help the students realize there are multiple ways to go about achieving the same goal. As well as going back and fourth to try to come up with different problems that might arise. achieving critical thinking and open mindedness.
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.
