Active learning, a method of learning where students are actively immersed in the learning process, is an educational approach used to engage students with course material ("What Is Active Learning"). In comparison to passive approaches such as lectures, active learning seeks to place greater responsibility on the learner and promotes higher-order thinking ("What Is Active Learning").
Written by Megan Liang
Here are three benefits of active learning:
Benefit #1:Improving Student Perceptions towards information Literacy and Academia
According to a study conducted by Detlor et. al, passive learning is not effective in yielding positive student benefit outcomes, rather active learning yields more positive outcomes. Active learning places greater responsibility on the learners in comparison to passive learning. Studies show that active learning encourages students to be more engaged in the learning process, allowing them to “search for their own information” and retain more (Detlor et. al). Overall, active learning strengthens students’ research and information literacy skills.
Benefit #2: Develop Skills for the Workforce and Graduate Studies
Active learning seeks to help learners develop problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication, and interpersonal skills (Kember and Leung). These skills are essential for the workforce and for future studies in Academia, graduate and professional education institutions. These skills will help learners be more open-minded and become critical thinkers which allow students and educators to be more enthusiastic about the learning environment ("Benefits Of Active Learning | Queen's Active Learning Classrooms").
Benefit #3: Encourages Students to be Risk-Takers
While it may be easy for students to sit back and take notes while the educator teaches, active learning encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and take risks (Whenham). In an active learning environment, students are encouraged to participate more. This allows students to be more comfortable sharing their thoughts, improve their communication skills, and increase confidence in themselves.
Conclusion
Although active learning may be something that is difficult to get used to in the beginning, the skills and connections you build through active learning will help you beyond the classroom!
Works Cited
"What Is Active Learning". Queensu.Ca, 2020, https://www.queensu.ca/teachingandlearning/modules/active/04_what_is_active_learning.html#:~:text=Active%20learning%20is%20an%20approach,role%20plays%20and%20other%20methods. Accessed 28 Dec 2020.
Detlor, Heidi et. al. "Student Perceptions Of Information Literacy Instruction: The Importance Of Active Learning.". Education For Information, vol 29, no. 2, 2012, pp. 147-161., https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1001900. Accessed 28 Dec 2020.
Kember and Leung, Ants.Iis.Sinica.Edu.Tw, 2020, http://ants.iis.sinica.edu.tw/3bkmj9ltewxtsrrvnoknfdxrm3zfwrr/16/The%20influence%20of%20active%20learning%20experiences%20on%20the%20development%20of%20graduate%20capabilities.pdf. Accessed 28 Dec 2020.
"Benefits Of Active Learning | Queen's Active Learning Classrooms". Queensu.Ca, 2020, https://www.queensu.ca/activelearningspaces/active-learning/benefits-active-learning. Accessed 28 Dec 2020.
Whenham, Tricia. "9 Benefits Of Active Learning (And Why Your College Should Try It)". Nureva.Com, 2020, https://www.nureva.com/blog/education/9-benefits-of-active-learning-and-why-your-college-should-try-it. Accessed 28 Dec 2020.
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