Active Learning

This entry describes active learning, addresses its benefits and challenges, and offers strategies for implementing active learning in classroom settings. Active learning shifts the focus of learning from passively receiving content information to diligently participating in learning activities. Student engagement in learning increases retention and understanding of course content and enhances the quality of learning outcomes. In active learning, with the guidance and assistance of the teacher, students learn and practice new concepts and use them meaningfully.

Although there are many definitions of active learning, it can be described as a student-centered approach to instruction. According to Charles Bonwell and James Eison, active learning is “anything that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing” (p. 2). The key elements of ...