QUESTIONS LIST

6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSABOUT Active and Passive Learning

What are the effects on the students?

What is active and passive learning?

What are the effects on the teacher?

What does it look like?

Is one better than the other?

What are the effects on learning?

Active Learning

What does it look like?

Rather than sitting in rows facing the front of the classroom, students may be seated in groups so they can collaborate together. Assignments require critical thinking and analysis. Students are given voice and choice when determining their learning and how they will demonstrate it.

Active vs. Passive

What's the difference?

Active and Passive Learning are the two types of learning that can occur in the classroom. Passive learning is the traditional style learning in which students are given information and they listen and absorb the details. Active learning provides more opportunites for students to engage wtih learning and construct their own knowledge.

Active Learning

Effects on the Teacher

Rather than telling students information, teachers facilitate learning opportunities in which students construct knowledge for themselves. The teacher instead supports students as they build, think critically, and analyze. This requires the teacher to be flexible and spontaneous as they adjust to their students' needs.

Active vs. Passive

Is one better?

There are many benefits to active learning. Studentsare more motivated and retain information longer. However, Hunter, in MCAT podcast, warns that one should not go "scorch Earth" and eliminate passive learning altogether. Instead, find ways to increase active learning and think critically about what information should be constructed.

Active Learning

What are the effects on learning?

When students are given opportunites to actively participate, learning retention and motivation is increased. This occurs because students are able to connect their learning to prior knowledge and learning becomes more meaningful. The activities are also students centered meaning they are constructing knowledge.

Active Learning

Effects on Students

Students report several benefits to active learning. The state that learning becomes more meaningful to their lives, it helps them build greater relationships with their teachers and peers, and they more easily understand how the information relates to their lives.