While traditional lecturing methods dominate in most classrooms, passive student learning has been shown to be far less effective than "active learning." But what is "active learning," and how can you use it in your classroom?

Research shows that students learn best when they actively participate in the learning process. Active learning methods include a variety of strategies which make the student responsible for creating and applying knowledge, rather than simply being a vessel receiving material from the instructor; they acknowledge that learning is an active process, and that different students learn in different ways. In a traditional classroom, teachers are typically expected to lecture and give out assignments and exams, and students are expected to listen to the lecture and take notes. In an "active learning" environment, on the other hand, multilayered, thought-provoking and challenging methods are introduced so that students participate in more interactive, nontraditional ways.

While Active learning techniques can be extremely beneficial for students, they present some challenges for instructors — from creating collaborative activities, to managing students through projects, to designing exercises that encourage students to think critically and analytically. Other challenges include knowing when to employ Active learning techniques, and when a traditional lecture style may be more suitable.

Join us for a workshop to help you develop your own active methods for creating excitement in the classroom.

Lunch will be provided.

October 28, 12-1 p.m.
University Park Campus, Ahmanson Center, Room 238
RSVP to usccet@usc.edu with "Active Learning UPC" in the email subject line.

December 3, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Health Sciences Campus, Keith Administration Building, B21/23
RSVP to usccet@usc.edu with "Active Learning HSC" in the email subject line.