This document discusses active learning techniques that can make lectures more engaging for students. It defines active learning as instructional activities that involve students in higher-order thinking tasks like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Examples mentioned include problem-based, team-based and discussion-based activities. The document also discusses the University of Minnesota's active learning classrooms, which feature collaborative seating and technology to facilitate student-centered, group activities and exercises.

1. Teaching: A OneWay Street?
-Tyler Quiring, CMJ 602, Nov. 19, 2013
What makes a lecture
uninteresting?

2. Active learning
Berkeley Center for Teaching and Learning:
● Problem-based
● Team-based
● Discussion-based
Group-focused, but active learning can also be
achieved on an individual basis
Activity: 0:60 writing, 2:00 discussion
“Students must do more than just listen: They must read, write, discuss,
or be engaged in solving problems. Most important, to be actively
involved, students must engage in such higher-order thinking tasks as
analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Within this context, it is proposed
that strategies promoting active learning be defined as instructional
activities involving students in doing things and thinking about what
they are doing."
- Bonwell, C., & Eison, J. (1991). Active Learning: Creating Excitement
in the Classroom. AEHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 1.
Washington, D.C.: Jossey-Bass.

3. University of Minnesota’s ALCs

4. University of Minnesota’s ALCs
Active learning classrooms:
● Are a key component
● Student-centered
● Collaborative seating
● Technology-rich
University of Minnesota: Activities
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●
●
●
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Group, pair, or individual
Activity based on objective
Vary the technique
Keep exercises brief
Try it out yourself first

5. Active Learning
In this presentation:
● Class input
● Video reinforcement
● Writing activity
● Paired exercise
● Group discussion
(soon)
Other considerations:
● Changing seating
● Group presentations
● Generated questions
● Focused listing
● Above all, be flexible!
Active Learning:
A Two-Way Street
-Any thoughts?