{"id":621,"date":"2016-12-22T15:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-12-22T20:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/?p=621"},"modified":"2019-04-05T10:05:13","modified_gmt":"2019-04-05T14:05:13","slug":"whats-the-buzz-active-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2016\/12\/whats-the-buzz-active-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Buzz: Active Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"whats-the-buzz_-active-learning\"<\/a>Sometimes, when thinking about educational buzzwords, we only think about student applications. \u00a0As a coach, I realize that I need to apply the same concept when working with adults. \u00a0Active Learning is a concept that applies when working with adults as well as with children. <\/span><\/p>\n

As educators, we pick up and use buzzwords all the time. \u00a0We may assume that we know what the word or phrase is from context – after all, that\u2019s one great way to pick up vocabulary. \u00a0But we don\u2019t always stop to make sure that we have a clear understanding or definition of the concept. \u00a0Most would agree that active learning refers to engaging your learners through activities. But it\u2019s easy to forget that the type of activity is important as well. Changing instruction in this way increases motivation and can stimulate higher order thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what type of activities foster active learning? \u00a0Good question. \u00a0Here are a few ideas:<\/span><\/p>\n

Collaborative assignments<\/b> – when students work together to reach a goal, they are invested in the outcome. \u00a0One example might be to have students use\u00a0<\/span>SearchTeam<\/span><\/a> to research a topic and then build a presentation using<\/span> Microsoft Sway<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discussions<\/b> – whether online or face to face, discussions can be very engaging. \u00a0Use a learning management system such as<\/span> Edmodo<\/span><\/a>, or an application like<\/span> TodaysMeet<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Padlet<\/span><\/a>\u2014<\/span>with its new comments feature\u2014is<\/span> another engaging way to encourage discussion. Make sure to cover \u201cground rules\u201d first so that behavioral expectations are understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Real-world problem solving<\/b> – give learners a case or problem to solve together, and they could surprise you. \u00a0There are many simulation programs available to use in small groups or as a whole class. \u00a0One of my favorites is<\/span> Mission-US<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The TeachersFirst OK2Ask team is making a concerted effort to include more active learning strategies in our professional learning sessions. \u00a0What strategies do you use in your classroom to foster active learning? \u00a0Here are a few resources to learn more:<\/span><\/p>\n