Active Learning in Face-to-Face and Online Classes (half-day)

Active learning is  instruction that engages all students in a class in course-related activities other than watching and listening to a lecturer. Working individually or in small groups, the students may be called on to answer questions, solve problems, discuss, explain, troubleshoot, brainstorm, critique, or design. Both cognitive science and extensive classroom research have demonstrated that when properly implemented, active learning promotes students’ achievement of most learning outcomes other than simple rote memorization. This workshop is designed to provide participants with guidance and practice in active learning techniques.

For Whom Intended

The workshop may be tailored specifically for current and/or future faculty members (graduate students and postdocs) in STEM disciplines, or it may be designed to address campus-wide audiences from all disciplines.

Topics Addressed

  • How can students be actively engaged in face-to-face and synchronous online class sessions, even if there are several hundred of them in the class?
  • What kinds of activities can be used to promote important technical and professional learning outcomes, including high-level thinking and problem-solving skills?
  • What are the three mistakes instructors commonly make when they implement active learning that can destroy the effectiveness of the method, and how can they be avoided?

Contact Richard Felder for information about scheduling and fees.