Active Learning
What is Active Learning?
Active learning is an approach to instruction (in any modality) that taps into the power of engagement and intentionally asks learners to engage in the learning process to enhance learner participation, critical thinking, and knowledge retention. Research consistently shows that active learning leads to better learner outcomes, including improved critical thinking skills, deeper understanding of course content, and higher retention rates. When learners actively process and apply concepts rather than simply listening to lectures, they are more likely to remember and understand the material.
Perhaps more importantly, active learning helps create an inclusive and dynamic classroom environment where students feel connected to the material, their peers, and you as the instructor. Whether you are teaching a small or large course, incorporating even simple active learning strategies can make a significant difference in student engagement and learning outcomes.
Getting Started
Shifting to active learning strategies does not have to be overwhelming. It is not necessary to transform your entire course at once - small changes can have a meaningful impact on learning. Below are two key resources to help you:
Implementation Guide
Active Learning Cheat Sheet [PDF]
Examples and activity ideas are helpful; however knowing how to effectively implement is a key to success. A practical guide from Vanderbilt University's Center for Teaching fills this gap by walking through 10 essential steps for implementing active learning in your courses - from creating the right environment to planning the logistics.
Activity Ideas
Explore the below curated collection of active learning strategies to find those that match your teaching preferences and course content.
- Active Learning [PDF] - This article authored by Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching Assistant Director,
Cynthia J. Brame, PhD organizes active learning techniques in four groups:
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- Brief, easy supplements for lectures
- Activities to replace some lecture
- Discussion techniques
- Other approaches
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- Classroom Activities List [DOCX] - This Word document includes 40 active learning activities and their descriptions.
- Classroom Assessment/Activities Techniques (CATs): A Guide for Faculty and Teaching
Assistants [DOCX] - This document is an open educational resource (OER) developed by the University
of Minnesota that explains and provides examples of how in-class assessment can enhance
teaching and learning.
- Critical Reading: Using Reading Prompts to Promote Active Engagement with Text [PDF] - This article authored by Terry Tomasek of Elon University describes a variety of
reading/writing prompts that can be used to promote critical out-of-class reading
assignments. The prompts are organized into six categories: (1) identification of
problem or issue, {2) making connections, (3) Interpretation of evidence, (4) challenging
assumptions, (5) making applications, and (6) taking a different point of view.
- FDIC Active Learning in Action Video Series Webpage - This is an occassional video series showcasing innovative ways EIU faculty members
are incorporating the use of active learning in their courses. If you have an activity
to contribute to this series, please contact fdic@eiu.edu.
- FDIP Podcast Season 2, Episode 2: Active Learning (32:57) - In this podcast EIU FDIC Director Dr. Michael Gillespie and Instructional Designer
Kim Ervin discuss active learning and its role in the college classroom.
- Online Instructional Activities Index - This webpage resource by the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) describes
45 different active learning activities for online courses. Activities can be adapted
to a face-to-face class format.
- Active Learning in Remote, Virtual Hybrid, Online, and Physically Distanced Classrooms - This webpage by Colorado School of Mines was published during the 2020 pandemic;
however, the strategies remain relevant post pandemic. Twenty-two active learning
ideas are organized in the three goal groups below. Each activity provides adaptations
for synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face course modalities.
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- Engagement
- Monitor and Assess Understanding
- Feedback and Community Building
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References
Boston University Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.-a). Active Learning. https://www.bu.edu/ctl/ctl_resource/active-learning-teaching-guide/
University of Wisconsin Madison. (n.d.). Active Learning. https://teach.interpro.wisc.edu/active-learning/
The written information and resources are developed or curated by the
Faculty Development and Innovation Center
Contact the FDIC:
Phone Number: (217) 581-7051
Email: fdic@eiu.edu
Website: eiu.edu/fdic
The FDIC can be contacted for instructional design related questions or to schedule a consultation appointment. The FDIC staff can recommend instructional design strategies for your online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.
Last updated: June 12, 2025