The benefits of active learning
- Develops collaborative skills
Collaboration is a pillar of most active learning approaches. In increasingly team-oriented workplaces, students whose only experience is with essay writing and exams will find themselves at a disadvantage. By working together in breakout groups, students develop the abilities they’ll need to collaborate in the workforce.
- Encourages risk taking
Active learning pulls students out of their comfort zone by creating an environment where risk taking is encouraged. As they get more comfortable sharing their thoughts, defending their conclusions and building on each other’s ideas, they’ll gain confidence and self-possession.
- Requires student preparation
In an active learning classroom, no one’s invisible. It’s immediately apparent when students haven’t taken the time to prepare, so there’s greater motivation to show up – in mind and body.
- Increases engagement
Students who are actively learning are actively engaged. Whether solving a problem, debating an issue or researching a concept, they are processing ideas and forging deeper understanding.
- Improves critical thinking
Active learning shifts the focus of learning – from passively (and possibly unquestioningly) digesting information to being accountable for actively engaging with sources and perspectives. And when students share ideas, they learn to build stronger arguments, challenge presumptions and recognize leaps of logic.
- Increases retention
Active learning classrooms are, well, more active. Students are often applying their ideas, working on collaborative projects or using approaches like design thinking or the agile process to solidify their learning.
- Makes tech more powerful
Active learning classrooms are filled with tools and systems that put students at the center.
- Sparks creative thinking
Active learning helps students understand that creativity goes beyond the Eureka moment – it develops with effort and hard work. With lots of practice flexing their creative muscles, students also see how both individual reflection and collaborative exchange can lead to better ideas and more novel solutions to problems.
- Fosters real problem solving
The ability to solve complex problems is the most important needed skill for future jobs. Students in active learning classrooms understand that no one has all the answers, so it’s up to them to figure them out.
