Effective Active Learning Strategies for Engaged Students
Active learning involves techniques that engage students in the learning process, making the educational experience more meaningful and impactful. There are several strategies that can be implemented to enhance student engagement and retention of information. This article explores various methods such as self-quizzing, think-pair-share, and other interactive techniques that can significantly improve the learning experience.
Self-Quizzing: A Proven Method for Retention
Self-quizzing is a powerful technique for active learning. Unlike re-reading notes, self-quizzing involves a deeper cognitive process. More parts of the brain are engaged in retrieving information, leading to stronger memory formation. The repetition involved in quizzing helps neural connections to form, a phenomenon known as 'cells that fire together wire together,' increasing the likelihood of long-term retention.
To maximize the effectiveness of self-quizzing, it is recommended to repeat the process over time, not just once and especially not the night before a test. Waiting longer between study sessions can enhance the formation of lasting memories.
Writing Notes by Hand: Enhancing Cognitive Processing
When writing notes by hand, students engage more deeply with the material, requiring them to process information in a way that typing might not. This involves deliberate decision-making and can lead to better retention. This is in contrast to typing, which can be more passive, directly from ear to finger without as much cognitive engagement.
Active Learning Techniques
Think-Pair-Share
Definition: Think-Pair-Share is a structured collaboration technique where students first think individually about a question or concept, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally share their ideas with the larger group.
Steps to Implement Think-Pair-Share:
1. Display a prompt or question about a concept. 2. Allow students 1-2 minutes to think individually. 3. Pair students up to discuss their thoughts. 4. Have students share their conversations with their table group and then with the whole class.Probing Questions:
What makes you think that? Please give an example from your experience. What do you mean?Quick Write
A 'quick write' is a short, written response to a prompt. This activity can help students engage with the content, determine if they have done the required homework, and provide opportunities to access prior knowledge. It can also be graded to encourage the completion of reading assignments.
Turn and Talk
In a 'turn and talk,' a question is posed to the class, and students quickly discuss with the person next to them. This strategy is a comfortable way for students to share their ideas and sets the stage for larger group discussions. The teacher does not need to hear all ideas but ensures that the peers have the opportunity to share.
Polling
Polling students on their understanding of a concept and allowing them to discuss and re-vote can lead to greater learning. It is essential to have students discuss their reasoning and the teacher to listen and determine what further explanations might be needed. There are various tools available for polling, including clickers, Socrative, and Braincandy.
Quizzes with Group Scores
Quizzes can be designed to include both individual and group scores. Students first complete a quiz individually, and then in small groups, they re-take the quiz and discuss answers. If the group score is higher, the two grades are averaged. This encourages collaboration and forces students to help each other understand the material.
Partial Outlines or PPTs
Providing students with partial lecture notes or PowerPoints can help them stay more engaged and perform better on exams. It encourages active participation during lectures, which is better than passively taking notes.
Pausing During Lectures
Pausing during lectures allows students to reflect and apply ideas immediately. Techniques such as pausing before students copy notes, having quick writes, and encouraging peer discussions can enhance student engagement and understanding.
Posters and Gallery Walk
Assigning groups to create posters and then displaying them for a gallery walk encourages interactive learning. Students not only create but also present and discuss their ideas with their peers, leading to a deeper understanding of the topic.
Fish Bowl
The fish bowl involves a small group of students engaging in a discussion about a concept while the rest of the class observes and takes notes. This technique allows for a dynamic exchange of ideas and different perspectives.
By implementing these active learning strategies, educators can create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment that fosters deeper understanding and long-term retention of knowledge.