Using Active Learning Strategies
In this module, faculty learn to implement the essential components of effective active learning, including providing a rationale for the activity, promoting group interdependence, holding group members accountable, and collecting student feedback to identify strengths and areas for improving the activity. The module helps instructors implement three active learning techniques—Think-Pair-Share, Jigsaw, and Analytic Teams—depending on the learning objectives they have set for their class session or online module.
To satisfy the module requirements, faculty must implement one or more techniques, such as holding students accountable for their participation in group activities or implementing an appropriate active learning activity.
In this module, faculty learn how to effectively plan and facilitate active learning in a large class. The module teaches faculty to use an active learning cycle to pique student interest, build foundational knowledge, and then require students to apply new concepts. In addition, the module includes techniques for using formative assessment and leveraging technology to inform and improve learning.
To satisfy the module requirements, faculty must apply at least one technique, such as using cues to keep students on task, designing lessons according to an active learning cycle, or closing with an activity to hold students accountable.
This module is one of six modules under ACUE’s unit on Using Active Learning Techniques.
In this module, faculty learn how to determine if the lecture approach is aligned to their learning objectives, develop well-organized and effectively-paced lectures or online microlectures, keep students engaged, and seek student feedback.
To satisfy the module requirements, faculty must implement one or more techniques, such as opening with an interesting quote or question to pique students’ interest, providing skeletal notes, or chunking information into manageable segments.
In this module, faculty learn how to write well-sequenced, thought-provoking questions to increase student engagement in classroom and online discussions. The module helps instructors effectively set expectations for participation, explain the role of discussion for positively impacting learning, and develop an effective grading policy.
To satisfy the module requirements, faculty must implement one or more techniques, such as sequencing questions to progress toward higher order thinking, developing a grading policy or rubric for participation, or assigning students a self-grading activity.
In this module, faculty learn activities they can use to launch productive discussions, including Hatful of Quotes, Sentence Completions, and Fishbowl techniques. The module also helps instructors balance student participation in classroom or online discussions and guidance for limiting instructor involvement in discussions.
To satisfy the module requirements, faculty must implement one or more techniques, such as using a Fishbowl activity, wait time, prompting, or providing strategic online feedback.
About The Effective Teaching Practice Framework
Designing an Effective Course
Learn how to ensure learner-centered course outcomes, build a syllabus, and more.
- 1a: Ensuring Learner-Centered Course Outcomes
- 1b: Designing Aligned Assessments and Assignments
- 1c: Aligning Learning Experiences with Course Outcomes
- 1d: Preparing a Syllabus
Establishing a Productive Learning Environment
The learning environment you build impacts persistence, learning, and chances for student success. Learn how to lead a productive first day, promote a civil learning environment, motivate your students, and much more.
- 2a: Leading the First Day of Class
- 2b: Promoting a Civil Learning Environment
- 2d: Motivating Your Students
- 2e: Ensuring Access to Learning
- 2f: Helping Students Persist in Their Studies
Using Active Learning Strategies
From group learning activities, to planning effective discussions – you’ll unlock evidence-based strategies that promote active learning, giving all students the chance to be fully involved in their own education.
- 3a: Using Groups to Ensure Active Learning
- 3b: Using the Active Learning Cycle
- 3c: Developing Effective Class Sessions and Lectures
- 3d: Planning Effective Discussion
- 3e: Facilitating Engaging Discussions
Promoting Higher Order Thinking
Advanced questioning, powerful note-taking skills, and beyond… Learn the strategies that can deepen learning and enhance every teaching moment.
- 4a: Providing Clear Directions and Explanations
- 4b: Using Concept Maps and Other Visualization Tools
- 4c: Teaching Powerful Note-Taking Skills
- 4d: Using Advanced Questioning
- 4e: Developing Self-Directed Learners
Assessing to Inform Instruction & Promote Learning
Learn the methods of formative and summative assessment that best promote learning and help you refine your teaching. From equitable grading practices to providing useful feedback – and more.
- 5a: Developing Fair, Consistent, and Transparent Grading Practices
- 5b: Creating with Checklists and Rubrics
- 5c: Providing Useful Feedback
- 5d: Checking for Student Understanding
- 5e: Using Student Achievement and Feedback to Improve Your Teaching
For more information about ACUE’s Framework, visit acue.org/effective-practice-framework.
