Active Learning Approaches

Active Learning | Case-based Teaching | Debates, Role-Plays and Simulations | Problem-based Learning | Project-based Learning

See also: Active Learning Tools | Inquiry-based Learning | Civic Engagement and Service Learning | Collaborative (Peer) Learning

Active Learning

• Active Learning/Activity-Based Learning Website, Harvard University.
• Active Learning, Center for Teaching, Vanderbilt University
• Active Learning, Cornell University Center for Teaching Excellence
• Active Learning, Everett Community College
• Activity Information, List of several active learning ideas with at-a-glance descriptions, examples, and supporting research. Includes case study, concept maps, discussions, games, jigsaw, think-pair-share, role play, and more. ABL Connect, Harvard University.
• Focusing on Active, Meaningful Learning, Dr. Ann Stalheim-Smith, Idea Paper 34, The Idea Center
• Instructional Strategies - Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning, University of Central Florida. List of examples of different teaching methods for use in classroom, including active-learning, case-based learning, collaborative learning, and interactive teaching. Includes a large section about halfway down the page covering various tips for active lectures.
• Learner-Centered Instruction Promotes Student Success, The Journal. In this artile, Northface University is used as an example of how project-based learning and other learner-centered instruction has helped students succeed. The article describes multiple forms of project-based and learner-centered types of instruction.
• Promoting Active Learning, Teaching Commons, Stanford University.
• Also see: Lecturing Effectively for tips on making lectures more (inter)active

Case-based Teaching

• Case Writing Guide, Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, Penn State.
• How to Lead a Case-Based Instruction, Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation, Carnegie Mellon University.
• The Case Method of Teaching Science, National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University of Buffalo, SUNY.
• The Case Method -- A Joint Venture in Learning, themed Issue on Case Studies, Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, (13)2.

Debates, Role-playing Activities & Simulations

• Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom, Charles C. Bonwell and James A. Eison. This articles describes what active learning is, how it can be incorporated in classrooms, and what the challenges are of active learning. Provided by Purdue University.
• Active Learning Techniques, Teaching & Resource Center, University of California-Berkeley.
• Classroom Activities for Active Learning, Center for Faculty Excellence, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
• Doing a Cooperative, Active Learning Debate in a 50 Minute Period, Teaching and Learning Center, University of the Sciences
• Role-Playing Exercises, Rebecca Teed, Science Education Resource Center, Carlton College.

Problem-Based Learning

• Learning Materials in a Problem Based Course, The Higher Education Academy, UK. This is a guide for using problem-based learning, including formats, roles, assessment, and evaluation.
• Problem-Based Learning: An Introduction, National Teaching and Learning Forum.
• The Washington Center Casebook, Case stories available for use.

Project-Based Learning

• Free Project Based Learning Resources, 21st Century Educational Technology & Learning.
• Learner-Centered Instruction Promotes Student Success, The Journal. In this artile, Northface University is used as an example of how project-based learning and other learner-centered instruction has helped students succeed. The article describes multiple forms of project-based and learner-centered types of instruction.
• Motivating Students Through Project-Based Service Learning, The Journal. This article uses California schools as examples to show how project-based learning has motivated students.
• Project Based Learning, PBL-Online. Includes strategies, example projects, instruction to design projects, and reviews.
• Project-Based Learning, Tech & Learning. This article provides tops to implement project-based learning into classrooms.
• Why Teach with Project-Based Learning?, Edutopia. Includes videos about project-based learning and an article on project-based learning in classrooms.