PurposeThe purpose of this website is
to share a readily available
collection of active learning strategies and best
practices that CSM
faculty can use in their classroom instruction. Using
active learning strategies in the classroom shifts the focus from teaching to
learning, with more emphasis of the learning being on interaction, individual
learning styles, and enhancing essential study skills.
Chickering and Gamson's
Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education* recognizes
the importance of active learning.
The third principle states:
"Encourages Active Learning
Learning is not a spectator sport. Students do not
learn much just sitting in classes listening to
teachers, memorizing pre-packaged assignments and
spitting out answers. They must talk about what they
are learning, write about it, relate it to past
experiences, and apply it to their daily lives. They
must make what they learn part of themselves."
Active learning reinforces information retention by
appealing to different student learning styles
including:
- visual
- auditory
- kinesthetic
Active learning also enhances the use of essential study skills:
Thinking Skills (brainstorming)
|
Problem Solving (evaluating)
|
Decision Making
(information assessment)
|
Planning and Organizing (arranging)
|
Finding Information (research)
|
Computer Skills
(for digital and Internet activities) |
*The Seven Principles for Good Practice in
Undergraduate Education were compiled in a study
supported by the American Association for Higher
Education, the Education Commission of the States, and
The Johnson Foundation.
Source: New Directions for Teaching and Learning,
Applying the Seven Principles for Good Practice in
Undergraduate Education, Arthur W. Chickering and Zelda
F. Gamson Editors, Jossey-Bass, 1991. |
