The Importance of Passive Learning | Origin: EL120
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Fully Online Doesn’t Mean Inactive --> The Importance of Passive Learning
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
It allows instructors to lay down a foundation of information for a group of students
I’ve learned that passive learning, such as listening to lectures or reading, still plays an important role in building foundational knowledge. While it’s more instructor-led, it helps students absorb and process new information before applying it. I plan to apply this by balancing passive and active learning strategies—starting with clear, concise content delivery, then following up with activities that reinforce and apply that knowledge.
Passive and active learning both have their place in an online classroom...hence the concept of the flipped classroom where students participate in passive learning to prepare for "in classroom" activities.
I can't imagine an online course that does not contain passive and active learning components- The trick seems to be getting the fractional percentages just right.
Courses should be designed with both passive and active learning elements.
Passive learning is almost always necessary prior to active learning occurring. For example, I used passive learning when I conducted a pre-briefing session prior to a simulation. I presented students with the background information they needed to know to care for the patient and engage fully in the simulation.
Observing and listening to a procedure or a discussion can allow students to reflect on their own skills and improve their performance. Passive learning can be one of the first few steps in permanent learning. Students can listen, watch and discuss the steps in a procedure before practicing the procedure for themselves. Think about students who are tasked with watching and critiquing their peers perfrom a task. After watching one or two groups, the student begins to plan what they will do differently when it is their time to perfrom. In this example, the passive learning phase is laying the foundation for real learning.
This module on the importance of passive learning really helped me appreciate the role of reflection and observation in the learning process. I’ve learned that while active engagement is crucial, there’s also value in giving students the space to absorb information at their own pace—whether that’s through watching a lecture, reading a text, or listening to a discussion. Passive learning isn’t about being disengaged; it’s about creating opportunities for students to process and internalize concepts before applying them.
It is important to realize that we can engage in passive learning every day as we watch and listen to people around us or observe signs, directions, and read and watch online information and shows.
This course has helped me to understand the differences between active, passive, and inactive learning. This course has been more helpful than I anticipated.
Passive learning is just as important as active and lifelong learning...
I plan on using this useful information in my classroom.
Passive learning is not totally bad, if fact sometimes it is good
Passive learning is one part of an entire puzzle used in an effective online environment. While an entire course of passive learning is not positive, it still can be integral in a successful course.
Passive learning differs from inactivity. Educators must allow students time to engage with the content presented.
Passive learning is fascinating - I also like how it distinguishes between passive and inactive.
Both active learning and passive learning are important. Passive learning is important to get direct information out quickly. Active learning can be used to further develop the student's understanding of the content that has been presented to them. It can further support repetition and memory of content.
Students cannot actively engage with material without having a foundation from which to build an understanding; therefore, students must be (passively) provided this foundation then transitioned to a point of actively engaging with it.
Passive learning is necessary to build off of the content in order for students to better understand. However, in an online environment, the lack of feedback is a disadvantage. It is then important to engage with students with active learning activities.
