5 Steps Academy is a Cambridge Professional Development Centre. Cambridge entitles us to teach teachers from all over the world. It not easy for teachers to join the 5 Steps Academy academic team. Our teachers are professional in applying the most effective evidence-based approaches in their classrooms. One such approach is active learning.
Active learning is a teaching approach that encourages students to engage with the learning process actively. It emphasizes collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking, as opposed to passive listening and note-taking. Active learning has been shown to be effective in improving students’ learning outcomes, retention, and motivation. In this article, we will discuss some best practices in active learning.
- Set clear learning objectives Active learning activities should be designed with specific learning objectives in mind. These objectives should be clearly communicated to the students so they understand what they are expected to achieve. When setting objectives, it is essential to ensure that they are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Start with a warm-up activity Warm-up activities are a great way to get students engaged and motivated before starting the actual lesson. These activities can be simple, such as a quick quiz, a brainstorming session, or a group discussion. Warm-up activities help students to focus and get into the right mindset for learning.
- Use a variety of active learning techniques Active learning techniques come in many forms, such as group work, case studies, debates, simulations, and problem-solving activities. It is essential to use a variety of techniques to keep students engaged and motivated. The choice of technique should depend on the learning objective, the topic, and the students’ learning style.
- Foster collaboration Collaboration is an essential component of active learning. It allows students to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other. Group work, peer feedback, and team-based activities are great ways to foster collaboration in the classroom.
- Provide timely feedback Feedback is critical in active learning. It helps students to understand their progress and identify areas for improvement. Feedback should be provided in a timely manner and should be specific and actionable. It should focus on the learning objectives and should be provided both to the individual student and to the group.
- Encourage reflection Reflection is a powerful tool for learning. It allows students to think about what they have learned, how they have learned it, and how they can apply it in the future. Reflection can be encouraged through class discussions, journal writing, or group reflection activities.
- Use technology Technology can be a powerful tool in active learning. It can be used to facilitate collaboration, provide feedback, and enhance the learning experience. Interactive whiteboards, online discussion forums, and educational apps are just a few examples of technology that can be used in active learning.
- Evaluate and adjust Active learning is a continuous process of evaluation and adjustment. Teachers should regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their active learning strategies and make adjustments as necessary. This can be done through student feedback, assessment data, and classroom observation.
Active learning is an effective teaching approach that promotes student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. By following these best practices, teachers can create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment for their students.