For this new year, whether you're vowing to try new things or to get back to the basics, here are a few non-techy ideas to spice up your courses. You've probably heard the term active learning and it might sound a little daunting or chaotic. Yet, the most used definition by Bonwell and Eison (1991) defines active learning as "involving students in doing things and thinking about what they are doing." It's not simply talking, listening, reading, writing, reflecting but the mixing up of these actions within a class period that keeps students on their toes and engaged. So what are some ideas for getting started with active learning without jumping in head first?
Ask students to write: a minute paper on the most compelling point made in class today the muddiest point where they need more clarification a one sentence summary or tweet about 3 main ideas discussed. Let students move around the room and respond to prompts written on white-boards or flip charts. Create think, pair, share opportunities for students to first think individually, then share their ideas with a partner. Ideas for prompts include: to draw items from your content, create concept maps, or develop flow charts for processes. create two column comparisons of pros/cons, costs/benefits, advantages/disadvantages, or protagonist/antagonist points of view. You can read more about active learning in this IDEA paper.
New year, new courses, new ideas. Give it a try. Bonwell, C. C., & Eison, J. A. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom (ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Rep. No. 1). Washington, DC: The George Washington University, School of Education and Human Development.
