Active learning strategies include small group activities such as “think-pair-share,” individual strategies like the “Know-Want-Learn” spreadsheet, and real-world case studies to make information more applicable and meaningful. These strategies help students engage with material and prepare for higher education.
Different active learning strategies are often designed according to the way in which students are asked to engage with the material being presented to them. Pairing and other small group activities are quite common and allow students to work together and become active with each other. There are also methods designed to reach each student individually, usually through activities that get them started to identify what they want to get out of a lesson. Case studies and similar types of real-world data acquisition methods can also be used as active learning strategies, to make the information more applicable and meaningful.
Small group activities are among the most common active learning strategies as they allow students to work together in learning new material. One of the most common ways this is accomplished is through a “think-pair-share” activity. This typically involves introducing students to new information through a lesson and taking time to reflect on a question or other topic about what they have learned. Students pair up and share their thoughts and ideas about the question they were asked; these active learning strategies help students teach themselves as they learn.
There are also individual active learning strategies designed to help each student separately engage with what is being presented. This can be done in a number of ways, although one of the most common methods is to create a “Know-Want-Learn” (KWL) spreadsheet. Students are instructed to fold a sheet of paper into thirds; sometimes they can be given larger paper to facilitate this and allow for larger columns. Each third of the page is labeled “Know,” in which students write what they already know about the topic; “Desire”, which is used to write what they want to learn about it; and “Learn,” to describe how they want to be able to use what they learn.
Active learning strategies can also include case studies and similar examples of real-world information for students to use. This helps demonstrate to students that the information presented to them is not meant to be siled and memorized, but is actionable and meaningful in a practical way. Students can engage in this process to create their own research and case studies, allowing them to participate in acquiring new knowledge and information. These types of active learning strategies can also help prepare students for the type of research and work expected of them in higher education, especially in college and graduate school.
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