Active Teaching/Learning Strategies and Barriers

What is Active Teaching and Learning?

Active teaching and learning is like a dynamic dance between the teacher and students, where everyone actively participates in the learning process. Instead of a one-way flow of information, it's a two-way street where students engage, discuss, solve problems, and explore ideas. It's less about sitting and listening and more about doing, sharing, and discovering together. Imagine a lively conversation or a team project where everyone contributes, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

Barriers to Active Teaching/Learning

Faculty Perspective

Passive Teaching/Learning

Time Constraints

Student Perspective

Common Barriers

Active Teaching/Learning Strategies

Classroom Strategies

Assessment for Leaning

Technology Integration

Real-world Application

Collaborative Learning

Inquiry-Based Learning

Resistance to Change: Some faculty members may be resistant to changing established teaching methods.

Faculty: Limited time for preparation and implementation of active learning strategies.

Limited Resources: Both faculty and students may face challenges due to limited access to resources such as materials, technology, and support.

Foster a spirit of curiosity and critical thinking by posing questions that require investigation and exploration.

Pedagogical Challenges: Faculty may face difficulties in adapting traditional teaching methods to more active approaches.

Students: Pressures from other courses and responsibilities may limit the time students can dedicate to active learning.

Technology Barriers: Issues related to access, proficiency, or availability of technology can hinder active learning initiatives.

Encourage group activities, discussions, and projects to promote teamwork and peer learning.

Motivation Issues: Students may struggle with maintaining motivation and engagement in more active learning environments.

Lack of Prior Knowledge: Students may find it challenging to participate actively if they lack foundational knowledge.

Managing active learning in large classes can be logistically challenging. Faculty may choose passive methods for efficiency when dealing with a large number of students.

Use formative assessment methods to gauge student understanding during the learning process and provide timely feedback.

Incorporate various pedagogical approaches such as:

• Flipped classrooms
• Case-based learning, and problem-solving.
• Simulations
• In class discussions

Utilize various educational technologies to enhance engagement, accessibility, and interactive learning experiences. Integrate multimedia resources such as:

• Simulations
• Videos
• Interactive content to cater to diverse learning styles.

Students: A tendency to default to passive learning modes, such as lecture-based learning, due to familiarity or comfort.

Connect theoretical concepts to practical, real-world scenarios, demonstrating the relevance of the content.