Active learning is an instructional approach that actively engages students in the learning process, transforming them from passive listeners into active participants. This pedagogical strategy emphasizes hands-on experiences, collaborative work, and problem-solving activities that enhance students' knowledge and skills.
In an online environment, implementing active learning can greatly enrich the learning experience by making course content more relatable and applicable. Here are twelve effective active learning strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into online classes to help transform online classrooms into dynamic and engaging environments that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and deeper understanding.
1. Digital Four Corners (Four Tables)
Four Corners is an active learning strategy where students are encouraged to make decisions about a question, problem, or statement. Traditionally, students physically move to a corner of the classroom representing their stance (e.g., strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree). In an online setting, this strategy can be effectively adapted to foster engagement and critical thinking.
Purpose: To encourage active participation, decision-making, and discussion among students.
How It Works: Instructors present a question, problem, or statement, and students select one of four responses. For example:
- "Strongly Agree"
- "Agree"
- "Disagree"
- "Strongly Disagree"
Students then discuss their choices in breakout rooms or collaborative spaces, explaining their reasoning and engaging in debate.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use polling tools or digital survey platforms to gather initial responses.
- Utilize breakout rooms in video conferencing tools to facilitate group discussions based on selected responses.
- Encourage students to share insights via shared documents, digital whiteboards, or group chats.
Benefits: Digital Four Corners promotes active learning, critical thinking, and peer interaction. It provides instructors with insights into student perspectives and fosters a collaborative online learning environment.
2. Minute Papers
Minute papers are a quick and effective way to gauge student understanding at the end of a class. Instructors can ask students to write a brief response to a specific question or summarize what they learned. This strategy not only engages learners but also provides valuable feedback for instructors, allowing them to adjust future lessons based on students' needs.
Purpose: To quickly assess student understanding and gather feedback.
How It Works: At the end of a class, instructors can ask students to write a brief response to a specific question or summarize key takeaways. For example:
- “What was the most important thing you learned today?”
- “What questions do you still have about today’s topic?”
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use learning management systems (LMS) for students to submit responses digitally.
- Incorporate digital whiteboards or virtual Q+A for peer reflection on key insights.
Benefits: Minute papers provide a snapshot of student comprehension and allow instructors to adjust future lessons based on real-time feedback.
3. Muddiest Point
The muddiest point technique asks students to identify the most confusing part of a lesson. In an online setting, instructors can create a discussion board or use polling tools to gather responses. This strategy not only helps students reflect on their learning but also provides instructors with valuable feedback to address misunderstandings, ensuring that all students have a clear grasp of the material.
Purpose: To identify and clarify areas of confusion.
How It Works: Students pinpoint the part of the lesson they found most challenging or unclear. This reflection can be shared through anonymous polls or discussion threads.
Online Tools: Use polling features such as Engageli Quick Polls or tools like Padlet for students to submit their responses.
Benefits: This strategy encourages students to reflect critically on their learning while giving instructors actionable insights to address gaps in understanding.
4. Group Work or Classroom Mingle
Group work is a cornerstone of active learning strategies. By collaborating on assignments or projects, students can pool their knowledge and skills to solve problems or analyze case studies. In an online classroom, tools like breakout rooms in video conferencing platforms can facilitate group discussions and activities, allowing students to engage with one another and share diverse perspectives.
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Purpose: To enhance collaborative problem-solving and peer learning.
How It Works: Students work together on assignments, projects, or discussions. In online settings, breakout rooms in platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams can simulate the dynamic of in-person group work.
Examples:
- Analyzing case studies.
- Brainstorming solutions to real-world problems.
Benefits: Group work fosters teamwork and allows students to learn from diverse perspectives.
5. Problem Solving Activities
Integrating problem-solving activities into online classes challenges students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Instructors can present case studies or scenarios that require critical thinking and collaboration. By working through these challenges, students learn to navigate complexities and develop practical skills that are crucial for their future careers.
Purpose: To apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
How It Works: Present students with scenarios or challenges that require critical thinking and collaboration. For example:
- “Design a marketing strategy for a product launch.”
- “Develop a plan to address a sustainability issue.”
Online Tools: Use collaborative platforms like Miro, Google Workspace, or Engageli Docs for brainstorming and documentation.
Benefits: These activities prepare students for professional scenarios and promote practical skill development.
6. Case Studies
Case studies provide an opportunity for students to engage with realistic situations related to their field of study. By analyzing and discussing case studies in small groups, students can develop problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. This hands-on approach encourages students to become active participants in their learning experience.
Purpose: To immerse students in realistic, subject-specific scenarios.
How It Works: Students analyze and discuss case studies in small groups. This strategy is especially effective in fields such as business, healthcare, and law.
Online Use:
- Provide digital case study materials.
- Facilitate discussions in breakout rooms, Engageli tables or on discussion boards.
Benefits: Students engage deeply with course material and develop critical thinking skills.
7. Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning (PBL) involves students working on a project over an extended period. This strategy encourages independent research, critical thinking, and collaboration. In online settings, students can work in teams to design, plan, and execute a project, allowing them to engage with course content and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Purpose: To encourage in-depth exploration and application of concepts.
How It Works: Students work independently or in teams to complete a project over an extended period. Projects might include designing a prototype, conducting research, or creating a presentation.
Online Tools: Use LMS platforms or collaborative tools to track progress and facilitate team interactions.
Benefits: PBL promotes independent learning, critical thinking, and collaboration.
8. Digital Pair Share
Pair share is a simple yet effective strategy that encourages students to discuss a topic with a partner before sharing their insights with the larger group. This method fosters collaboration and allows students to articulate their thoughts, promoting deeper understanding of the course content. By engaging in dialogue, students learn from each other, enhancing their learning process.
Purpose: To promote reflection, articulation, and collaborative learning.
How It Works: Students discuss a question or topic with a partner before sharing insights with the group.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use breakout rooms for paired discussions.
- Facilitate written exchanges via chat or forums.
Benefits: Pair Share builds communication, critical thinking, and confidence.
9. Turn and Talk
Like pair share, the turn and talk aka think-pair-share strategy helps students think about a question on their own first. Then, they share their ideas with a partner. This technique helps students formulate their ideas and builds confidence before sharing with the larger group. In online classes, discussion forums or chat features can facilitate this process.
Purpose: To allow individual reflection before collaborative discussion.
How It Works: Students first reflect individually, then discuss with a partner, and finally share with the larger group.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use LMS forums for written reflections.
- Facilitate small group discussions via breakout rooms.
Benefits: Turn and Talk enhances understanding, confidence, and participation.
10. Role-Playing
Role-playing is an interactive strategy that immerses students in real-life scenarios. By assuming different roles, students can explore various perspectives and develop empathy for others. This technique is particularly effective in fields such as healthcare, education, and business, where understanding different viewpoints is crucial.
Purpose: To explore perspectives, practice skills, and understand real-world scenarios.
How It Works: Students take on roles in scenarios and act out responses.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use breakout rooms for role-playing.
- Facilitate discussions via video conferencing.
Benefits: Role-Playing fosters empathy, engagement, and problem-solving.
11. Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning emphasizes group interaction to achieve shared learning goals. In an online environment, students can work together on projects, discussions, or peer reviews. This strategy improves learning and helps students build teamwork skills. These skills are important in today’s workforce.
Purpose: To build teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving skills.
How It Works: Students work together on tasks, projects, or discussions.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use shared documents and cloud tools.
- Facilitate teamwork via breakout rooms.
Benefits: Collaborative Learning enhances teamwork, communication, and accountability.
12. Flipped Classroom
In a flipped classroom model, students review course content at home, freeing up class time for interactive learning activities. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace and come prepared to engage in discussions, problem-solving, and collaborative projects during class time. This method effectively utilizes active learning techniques to deepen understanding.
Purpose: To maximize interactive learning and student engagement.
How It Works: Students review content before class, using class time for discussions and problem-solving.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Share pre-recorded content via LMS.
- Use breakout rooms for interactive activities.
Benefits: Flipped Classroom fosters independent learning and active participation.
13. Online Simulations and Games
Utilizing online simulations and educational games can create an engaging learning environment. These interactive tools help students practice skills in a safe and comfortable environment. This improves their knowledge and makes learning fun. By incorporating simulations and games into the curriculum, instructors can foster active participation and engagement.
Purpose: To enhance engagement and practical skill application.
How It Works: Instructors use simulations or games to replicate real-world scenarios.
Online Tool Adaptation:
- Use simulation software or gamified Virtual Classroom features.
- Facilitate discussions on outcomes.
Benefits: Simulations and games make learning fun, engaging, and impactful.
Benefits of Active Learning Online
Implementing active learning strategies in online classes not only enhances student engagement but also offers several benefits. Active learning promotes critical thinking, encourages collaboration, and helps students retain information more effectively. A great way to kick off an active learning environment is the use of unique ice breakers to start your digital learning session.
As students participate in various learning activities, they develop practical skills that prepare them for future challenges. Active learning techniques create a lively learning environment. In this setting, students feel empowered to take charge of their learning journey.
Using these twelve active learning strategies in online classes can change the learning experience. It makes learning more engaging and effective. By fostering active participation and collaboration, instructors can help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their academic and professional pursuits. As the education landscape continues to evolve, embracing active learning will be essential in creating a responsive and enriching educational environment.
Want to learn more about the impact of active learning? Check out the active learning impact study to learn how Engageli researched how active learning can lead to better outcomes, higher retention rates, and more meaningful educational experiences.
Resources:
https://www.purdue.edu/activelearning/, SkillsHub, Cornell University Teaching Resources, University of Minnesota Active Learning, and Boston University Active Learning Guide.
Whitney, T., Cooper, J., & Scott, T. (2022). Creating an actively engaged classroom: 14 Strategies for student success. (Vols. 1-0). Corwin, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071823538