Create an Active Classroom Where All Students Can Thrive

Active learning emphasizes learning by doing. As opposed to sitting and passively reading or watching a lecture, students are encouraged to apply what they know to a discussion, activity or project.

Active learning is beneficial for motivating students in the classroom, given learners are involved in exploring and analyzing topics. This pedagogy also promotes deeper engagement and increases higher-order thinking skills—which foster critical thinking and analysis.

Active learning examples may include annotating a diagram or course reading and then engaging in a class discussion. A passive alternative would be asking students to complete an assigned reading without any application or comprehension checks. Another example that can increase student engagement is facilitating a simulation for learners to explore chemical reactions on their own, as opposed to passively viewing a video.

Top Hat allows you to drive active learning in the classroom, with collaborative activities for students to access. Choose from 14 different polling questions, interactive textbook readings—with questions embedded throughout—and more functionality purpose-built for increasing student motivation and engagement in higher education.

Think-pair-share is a well-known active learning strategy where students are given a chance to collaborate with their peers. After discussing a topic with a peer, pairs are asked to share their observations with the class. This active learning strategy can also help you monitor student learning and progress.

Motivating students in the classroom can apply down to the last minute of class. An exit ticket is another active learning strategy that enables students to reflect on what they learned during today’s lesson. At the end of an online or face-to-face class, ask students to note an area that they would like more clarification around. Use these insights to adjust your next lesson accordingly.