Active Learning in Education

Course Information

• Course title: Active Learning Strategies for EFL Students
• Course level: Level Two, Elementary Education
• Academic year: 2024/2025
• Instructor: Dr. Al-Shaimaa M. T. Al-Rashidy
• Department: Curriculum & Instruction, Faculty of Education, Tanta University

Chapter One: Introduction to Active Learning Strategies

• Definitions of Active Learning (by various authors):
  • Bonwell and Eison (1991) define active learning as anything involving students in doing things and thinking about what they're doing.
  • Prince (2004) defines active learning as "learning that engages students in the process of learning through activities and/or discussion in class."
  • Freeman et al. (2014) define active learning as engaging students in activities promoting analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of class content rather than solely delivering information through lectures.
  • Michael (2006) defines active learning as a process where students engage in activities such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem-solving that promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of class content.
  • Barkley, Cross, and Major (2014) define active learning as an approach to instruction where students engage in activities (reading, writing, discussion, or problem-solving) to promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of class content.
• Active Learning involves learner participation in the learning process
• Instructor facilitation and guidance are crucial.

What is Active Learning

• Active learning is a learner-centered approach where learners actively participate in the learning process, using strategies like reading, writing, discussion, or problem-solving to enhance analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of content.
• Key characteristics include: learner-centered, collaborative, experiential, inquiry-based, reflective, and diverse. This contrasts with the traditional "banking" model where students are passive listeners.
• Learner participation includes collaboration with instructors and peers.
• The approach encourages higher-order thinking skills.

Benefits of Active Learning

• Active learning helps students become lifelong learners.
• Students gain greater control and skills in their learning.
• Students are encouraged to stay focused.
• Active learning increases students' enthusiasm for their studies and engagement in academic discussion.
• Active learning promotes critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation.
• Active learning is often better for students than passive listening from a lecture.

The Importance of Play in Early Years Active Learning

• Play and active learning are interconnected
• Examples of active learning in early years:
  • Building blocks: spatial reasoning, relative size, weight, balance, problem solving.
  • Role play: communication, storytelling, empathy
  • Craft activities: fine motor skills, patterns, shape, color classification

What Activities Encourage Active Participation for Early Years Children?

• Allow children to choose their own activities
• Engage all five senses by using sensory activities.
• Utilize themed scavenger hunts to encourage maximum participation for interest

Characteristics of Active Learning for Children (Ages 0-5)

• The child is involved and concentrating.
• The child shows high levels of energy and fascination.
• The child pays attention to details and is not easily distracted.
• The child keeps on trying, persists with activity even in challenges.
• The child believes a different approach will help in better outcomes
• The child enjoys achieving goals and is comfortable being challenged
• The child can be proud of their accomplishments

Competences of Active Learning

• Basic elements: speaking, listening, writing, reading, and thinking, which help learners interpret learning material and use it for their own advantage.

The 5E Model:

• The 5E model comprises five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend/Elaborate, and Evaluate) for incorporating active learning techniques, and it's highly effective in learning and knowledge acquisition.

Active Learning in Online Teaching

• Active learning methods are well suited to online learning environments.
• Online active learning improves student engagement.
• Instructor training is critical in successful online active learning transitions.
• Online educational activities are useful in promoting active learning (e.g., virtual breakout rooms, online games, and interactive activities).

Implementing Active Learning Strategies

• Identify Learning Objectives: Define the intended learning outcomes.
• Choose Active Learning Strategies: Select methods to achieve the learning objectives.
• Plan Activities: Design activities encompassing the strategies, including instructions, goals, and objectives for each.
• Set Expectations: Inform learners about the activity's format, assessment methods, and timeline.
• Facilitate Learning: Offer guidance and answer learner questions during the activity.
• Encourage collaboration: Foster interaction and collaboration.
• Assess Learning: Evaluate student progress after completing the activity.

Challenges to Active Learning

• Time constraints: Active learning activities can be time-consuming.
• Resistance to change: Learners may resist active learning or be unfamiliar with new methods.
• Assessment challenges: Evaluating active learning activities, especially qualitative ones, can be challenging.
• Classroom management: Active learning can be noisy and chaotic in online or traditional settings, requiring proper management strategies.
• Inadequate resources
• Cultural differences

Talking to Students about Active Learning

• Emphasize the importance of active participation.
• Explain why active learning is used.
• Demonstrate active learning strategies effectively in your teaching.
• Incorporate activities to make students feel comfortable.
• Create an openness and transparency about the learning methodology

Teacher Roles in Active Learning

• Teacher as a facilitator: guides, facilitates, and encourages student exploration and collaboration.
• Teacher as a motivator: inspires student curiosity and engagement.
• Teacher as an authority: provides context and structure.

Student Roles in Active Learning

• Active participation: Students are expected to contribute to active learning activities.
• Application of knowledge: Students should apply what they learn during the activities.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Active learning strengthens a student's critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Active Learning Strategies:

• Reciprocal Questioning
• Three-Step Interview
• The Pause Procedure
• The Muddiest Point Technique
• Think-Pair-Share
• One-Minute Papers
• Focused Listing

This quiz explores the concepts and benefits of active learning methodologies in educational settings. It assesses understanding of the facilitator's role, student comprehension, and outcomes associated with implementing active learning strategies. Ideal for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices.