Active Learning

Overview

In educational settings, active teaching and learning pedagogy has long been known to be more effective than didactic, lecture-based approaches. Learners who actively engage with the material being presented, whether through writing or reflection, collaborative activities, or critical-thinking exercises, have improved understanding and retention of information when compared to traditional lecture approaches.  Medical schools pioneered problem-based learning in the 1960s as a way to engage students actively in solving open-ended problems, and team-based learning has replaced lecture format in many institutions. PRIM&R has provided resources and education for oversight staff and trainers who want to bring more engagement and active learning approaches to their educational sessions.

Active Learning Methods:

There are many resources available that provide information on problem-based, team-based, and general active learning methodologies. Please check out the resources provided by The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University for excellent examples of classroom activities and approaches that incorporate active learning pedagogy. Their Tip Sheet offers additional practical ideas for implementing a wide range of strategies to maximize engagement and learning.

Incorporating Active Learning into IACUC Training Webinar

Incorporating Active Learning into IACUC Training Webinar

Through the 2016 IACUC Train-The-Trainer Institutes (TTIs), participants learned to use interactive, discussion-based, and problem solving techniques to make their IACUC educational training more effective, thus improving interpretation and implementation of regulations and guidance. This complimentary webinar, facilitated by two TTI alums, is now available for viewing! Listen to a discussion about the basics of active learning pedagogy, as well as the benefits and challenges of incorporating active learning into IACUC training. Download the Discussion Guide to spark conversation with your colleagues about this important topic and to further explore active learning.