LibGuides: Study Skills: Active Learning

What is Active Learning?

ACTIVE LEARNING

The majority of students are passive learners who internalize information by simply reviewing the same material later on.

Learning passively, however, doesn’t test knowledge or understanding of material. In addition, it is difficult to recall much information as a passive learner.

Active learners engage with their education on a deeper level. Students who take an active approach are typically hands-on and take charge of their learning. These students will have a greater ability to understand, apply, and retain information.

Research has demonstrated that students who employ active learning strategies score much higher on assessments than those who are passive learners.

Becoming an active learner takes time and effort. We suggest you start by trying a few of the strategies outlined below. Once you have begun to master some strategies consider adding another until you notice a positive difference in your ability to understand, apply, and retain information.

Become an Active Learner
This is an accessible document that can be used with assistive technology, such as a screen reader. This PDF is an abridged version of the Become an Active Learner slideshow, which is below.

Become an Active Learner

Active and Passive Learning and Retention

There is a measurable difference between passive and active learning in terms of how much information students are able to retain.

Our ability to recall information is reinforced when we employ higher order learning techniques such as applying, explaining, evaluating and creating.

The diagram below, shared by Leibniz World of Math, neatly illustrates the difference between passive and active learning.

Top 10 Active Learning Strategies

Consider some of the following useful strategies to actively engage your brain to improve your learning.

Previewing, prior knowledge, effective notetaking, summarizing, spaced repetition, making information meaningful, creating questions, explaining, contributing and reflecting.

Open the PDF to learn more.

Active Learning Strategies

Active versus Passive Learning Strategies

Many students employ a passive approach to learning. Why? Internalizing information (reading/listening) and simply reviewing that material later requires less time and effort. Learning passively also feels manageable because this method does not really challenge our brain. Active learning requires intention, focus and energy, which feels more difficult. In other words, thinking and learning actively requires more cognitive effort. Critically thinking about information allows the learner to improve decision making, enhance problem solving skills, and allows for more creativity.

The information below illustrates examples of passive and active learning strategies.

The Power of Previewing: An Active Learning Strategy

It is important to preview course materials (chapters, articles, blogs, videos etc.) and the associated PowerPoint slides before each lecture or lab. According to research, previewing materials helps increase retention and comprehension. Proactively reviewing lesson content also prepares the learner to more actively engage when they are in class. Students who have previewed content before a lecture are more stimulated and interested in what they learn. Previewing materials helps the student brain prepare to learn as it is a powerful method of bridging previously learned information with new concepts and ideas.

Previewing (Pre-Learning)

Active Learning Resources

Why Active Engagement Helps You Learn Faster
Using active engagement strategies can help you learn material faster. Here are six different ways to use active engagement in your next study session.
Techniques for Active Learning
Active learning is when you do things to reinforce what you’re reading, writing and learning. This page includes some active learning techniques, and tips for improving your memory and concentration and reviewing your work.
8 Essential Active Learning Strategies for Instructors
If you’re struggling to get students engaging with one another and participating in class, active learning may be your best solution. This hands-on pedagogy enables students to be actively involved in (and out) of the classroom and is proven to increase attendance and exam scores.
Active Learning: Teaching Guide
Active learning helps students reflect on their understanding by encouraging them to make connections between their prior knowledge and new concepts. Often, active learning tasks ask students to make their thinking explicit, which also allows instructors to gauge student learning.
What Type Of Student Are You? Active Participant vs. Passive Observer
What type of student are you? Are you shy and quiet? Do you let others speak during class or do you take charge by asking questions? Do you even raise your hand?
Best Tips to Learn Effectively with the PQRST Method
The PQRST method is a robust framework for active learning and information retention. It synergizes various cognitive processes, optimizing learning and retention for a holistic grasp of subject matter.
How Physical Activity Sharpens the Mind
The brain evolved to control movement, but movement also shapes our thinking. This truth cuts across neuroscience, clinical psychology, exercise physiology, and the psychology of aging.
University of Toronto: Active Learning Strategies for Instructors
Active learning comprises a wide range of activities that are defined as “any instructional method that engages students in the learning process. In short, active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing”