Self-directed learning is a new process where students make a greater effort to engage themselves with the course materials and can help students learn and retain information in a whole new way.
Active learning is participation by the students in a learning environment other than sitting and listening to a lecture given by an instructor. This can be accomplished by having the students participate in discussions, group projects, flipped classrooms, etc.
The importance of active learning is it allows the students to learn by collaboration, problem-solving, and cooperation. In the online environment, discussion boards, interactive programs allow the students to actively participate and become responsible for knowledge gained.
It's great to see active learning have such a focus in continuing education. As time goes on more and more types of learning styles are discovered as well as learning disabilities. By not incorporating active learning it will be impossible to engage with a significant portion of the class who do not learn by dictation alone. By addressing this and finding ways to engage with the entire class more and more students will be successful on their journeys and feel better and more fulfilled by their educational journey.
You have to make the courses for the students very interactive so they can grasp the concepts efficiently. Lectures shouldn't be about just standing in front of the class and talking and reading off of slides verbatim.
I spent a lot of time in the Core elements unit, focusing on the active learning strategies. Very helpful!
Active learning is a teaching and learning approach that emphasizes student engagement and participation. Unlike traditional passive learning, where students primarily listen to lectures and take notes, active learning strategies require students to be actively involved in the learning process.
It is beneficial to online learners in that it provides:
Increased Engagement: Active learning strategies can help keep students engaged in online courses, reducing the risk of disinterest or dropout.
Better Retention: Students are more likely to retain information when they actively participate in the learning process.
Enhanced Critical Thinking: Active learning activities can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Improved Collaboration: Many active learning strategies promote collaboration and teamwork, which are essential skills in today's world.
Effective practices include:
Interactive Discussions:
Online forums: Create online forums where students can discuss course material, ask questions, and share their perspectives.
Live webinars or video conferences: Host live sessions for real-time discussions and Q&A.
Asynchronous discussions: Encourage students to participate in asynchronous discussions that allow them to respond at their own pace.
This was a great lesson!! I learned active learning is crucial in an online environment as it keeps students engaged, deepens understanding, and fosters collaboration. By actively participating, students retain information better and apply it effectively, leading to improved outcomes and a stronger sense of community.
