Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What are active learning activities?
2. What are some examples of active learning?

What are active learning activities?

According to Kathleen McKinney, Cross Chair in the Scholarship of Teaching 
and Learning and Professor of Sociology at Illinois State University,

Active learning refers to techniques where students do more than simply 
listen to a lecture. Students are DOING something including discovering, 
processing, and applying information. Active learning "derives from two 
basic assumptions: (1) that learning is by nature an active endeavor and (2) 
that different people learn in different ways" (Meyers and Jones, 1993). 
Research shows greater learning when students engage in active learning. It 
is important to remember, however, that lecture does have its place and that 
a teacher should not use active learning without content or objectives. The 
elements of active learning are talking and listening, writing, reading, and 
reflecting (Meyers and Jones, 1993). Bonwell and Eison (1991).

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What are some examples of active learning?

Think-Pair-Share
Collaborative learning groups
Student-led review sessions
Student generated exam questions
Keeping journals or logs
Write and produce a newsletter
Concept mapping

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