Active Learning
We have all been in situations at any grade level where the
instructor simply stands in front of the class, bombards us with
plenty of information and expects us to take notes and learn what we
can from it. This can be labeled as a passive learning environment.
The opposite of that, and quite honestly what I think should be
everyone’s approach, is active learning. Active learning is an
approach that strives to keep learners engaged with the course
materials through the use of student-centered techniques designed to them self-motivated. There are many teaching
strategies that stimulate learners by putting them at the center of
the process, such as role playing, field trips, game-based learning
platforms, group projects, brainstorming, among others.
This week I learned
about how a teacher used a technology tool to test what kids had
learned about the American Revolution
(view post) instead of using your traditional quizzes and exams. In Ms. Malhiot’s
classroom, students used PicCollage to create collection of photos of key personalities and important moments of the American Revolution. They also recorded short audio clips using Audioboom describing the images. If I put myself in the learners’ shoes I would love this activity I and would stay on task. Students created QR
codes that could be used to listen to the audioboom files they
recorded, and they even got creative and dressed up to appear on the collages. My partner and I collaborated on a padlet post that
summarizes the post, and highlights the active learning traits we were
able to identify. Please find it at the bottom of this post.
This is a perfect
example of how technology nicely integrates with our lessons to
inspire students to remain engaged. Another example of a technology
tool used in my school is ProdigyGame. This is a game-based platform
that allows students to learn and practice mathematical problems
while exploring a mystical world and fighting monsters to earn
different skills and prizes. Students are always asking to play this
game not only in school but also at home, as I have personally
experienced with my eight year old son who attends a school in the
same district I work in.
Please take a moment to share in the comments section below any active learning activities you have personally experienced and why you think they have been successful.
Additional Resources:
https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/active-learning-strategies-examples/
https://audioboom.com/
http://www.queensu.ca/teachingandlearning/modules/active/04_what_is_active_learning.html
https://padlet.com/features
Please take a moment to share in the comments section below any active learning activities you have personally experienced and why you think they have been successful.
Additional Resources:
https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/active-learning-strategies-examples/
https://audioboom.com/
http://www.queensu.ca/teachingandlearning/modules/active/04_what_is_active_learning.html
https://padlet.com/features
It's unfortunate to think that there may still be educators out there that do lecture in a passive learning environment. Being actively engaged in our learning helps build interest and new background knowledge that we are more likely to remember that if we are sitting in a lecture.
ReplyDeleteHi Lucia, you mentioned the term "passive learning environment" and it got me thinking how often this occurred throughout my time in middle school and even college! Many of my classes consisted of writing notes as fast as I could, trying to process the information being presented to me. Nevertheless, I do remember having a project for my 8th grade social studies class that had us create our own board games! I still remember this project because it was so fun! I remember some classmates made their own deck of cards, slideshow, or board game with a poster board! I believe active learning does not always have to include technology (Although it can be nice!). Instead I think it just requires students to be engaged in what they are learning and not just sitting and listening the whole time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I am currently looking into Prodigy and it looks interesting. I know my students would love the game aspect that Prodigy offers. I really enjoyed reading Prodigy's blog as well on some of their active learning strategies. Two strategies that really stuck out to me was the 3 step interviews and the devil's advocate approach. I love how both strategies require the students to be active listeners to help them shape their own views and build on what is being said during those times. I look forward to trying to implement these strategies in the near future!
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