WHAT IS ACTIVE LEARNING???

• Active learning is a process that involves the student through participation. It is more apt to stimulate higher cognitive processes such as those associated with critical thinking. (Billings&Halstead, 2009). 

• Usually contrasted with a straight lecture method, active learning involves students in course material through carefully constructed activities which range from "buzz groups," in which pairs of students discuss material during a calculated pause in a lecture, to role-playing, case studies, group projects, and seminars. (Evergreen State College, 2012). 

• Approach that encourages students to be more fully engaged in learning; strategies include real-world connections, class discussions, collaborative small-group work, extended projects, debates, and hands-on activities. (McGraw Hill, 2011). 

Active Learning: Efficiency of Group Work

• The teacher becomes a part of the group, sometimes acting as a participant, consultant or leader, which helps to increase students feelings of ease and comfortableness with the teacher.

• Requires active students engagement with content; collaborative, cooperative learning, peer sharing, and practical application of concepts. (Billing&Halstead, 2009). 

• Improvement of student's articulation in discussion, thinking skills and helps students to learn group problem skills. (Billing&Halstead, 2009). 

• Social skills such as self-expression, decision-making, responsibility,
•  accountability, sharing, listening, conflict management are naturally practiced and developed. This has a knock-on effect of reducing the occurence of behaviour problems brought about due to a lack of these skills. 

References

 Billings, D.M., & Halstead, J.A. (2009). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty(3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.  

Evergreen State College. (2012) Glossary. Retrieved on February 17, 2012 from: http://www.evergreen.edu/washcenter/resources/acl/iii2.html

McGraw Hill. (2012). Glossary, Retrieved on February 17, 2012 from: http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/glossary

 McKeachie, W.J., & Svinicki, M. (2011).  McKeachie’s teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for college and university teachers. Boston, MA: Houghton      Mifflin.  

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