Foundations of Active Learning

Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning

Overview

Active learning is an evidence-informed practice that emphasizes engaging students in the learning process through activities that promote higher-order thinking and deep learning (Prince, 2004). The benefits of active learning on student success are well documented; research demonstrates that active learning improves student performance and retention of information, fosters critical thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, and increases student satisfaction and engagement in the learning process. (Bonwell & Eison, 1991; Freeman et al., 2014).

The Foundations of Active Learning Teaching Endorsement has been intentionally designed by Drake Institute staff to prepare educators to actively engage students in the learning process. Participants will explore the active learning theoretical framework, consider relevant learning technologies and optimization of learning spaces, and practice multiple active learning strategies, all aimed at creating an engaging and dynamic educational environment for students.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Articulate effects of students' active engagement in the learning process on learning outcomes and achievement.
Identify learning technologies that can support the enactment of active learning strategies.
Describe space affordances and challenges (physical, virtual) that impact the enactment of active learning strategies.
Plan effective use of multiple basic active learning strategies.
Apply an evidence-based active learning strategy in a learning environment.

Program Requirements

OPTION A: CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE

Participants must complete the following:
- One experience in the "Foundational" category
- Two experiences in the "Learning Technologies" category
- Four experiences in the "Elective" category
Options for these experiences are listed in the table below.
Please note: some of the experience options are listed in more than one category. Each experience can only be "used" one time. (i.e., if you "use" Engaging Students in Online Collaboration to fulfill a Learning Technologies requirement, you cannot also "use" it to fulfill an Elective requirement).

REQUIREMENTS	EXPERIENCES Workshops are offered on a rotating basis. Check our Workshops and Events page to see what's offered each semester.
Choose 1 Foundational experience	Active Learning with Technology (Asynchronous online training) An Introduction to Evidence-Based Active Learning
Choose 2 Learning Technologies experiences	Engaging Students in Online Collaboration (Asynchronous online training) Increasing Student Engagement with Top Hat (Asynchronous online training) Promoting Interaction and Engagement in Carmen Zoom (Asynchronous online training) Using Top Hat to Promote Active Learning in the Classroom
Choose 4 Elective experiences	Workshops Adopting Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs): Simple Evidence-Based Strategies for Learning Through Assessment Engaging Students in Online Collaboration (Asynchronous online training) Evidence-Based Active Learning: Gallery Walk Evidence-Based Active Learning: Jigsaw Evidence-Based Active Learning: Minute Paper Facilitating Effective Classroom Discussions Increasing Student Engagement with Top Hat (Asynchronous online training) Planning Active Learning for This Semester Promoting Interaction and Engagement in Carmen Zoom (Asynchronous online training) Reflective Writing Assignment Design and Assessment Using Case Studies to Enhance Student Learning Using Top Hat to Promote Active Learning in the Classroom GTA Toolkits: Available only to Graduate Teaching Associates Facilitating Engaging Classroom Discussions Facilitating Group Work Other Experiences Instructional Consultation MCFI (Mid-Course Feedback on Instruction) SGID (Small Group Instructional Diagnosis)
Total experiences: 7 (No overlaps – each experience can only be “used” once)

OPTION B: IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Participants must complete the following:
- One experience in the "Foundational" category
- Each of the three components of the Immersive In-Person Experience
- Submit Active Learning Activity or Assignment Plan via Carmen

REQUIREMENTS	DETAILS
Choose 1 Foundational Experience	Active Learning with Technology (Asynchronous online training) An Introduction to Evidence-Based Active Learning
Attend In-Person Experience	Three half-day in-person workshop sessions located on Columbus campus
Submit Deliverable	Active Learning Activity or Assignment Plan

Verification

OPTION A VERIFICATION

The final teaching endorsement application will require you to upload the following:

BuckeyeLearn certificates for each workshop you attended
Confirmation/documentation for Active Learning experiences not tracked in BuckeyeLearn if applicable (e.g., Individual Instructional Consultation, MCFI, SGID)

View instructions to access BuckeyeLearn certificates here (opens in new window).

OPTION B VERIFCATION

The final teaching endorsement application will require you to upload a completion of criteria document obtained from Immersive Active Learning Workshop facilitator.

Complete an optional contact form.

Submit your final application after completing all criteria.