Research Roundup: Boost Engagement and Critical Thinking with Active Learning Strategies

Active learning continues to be a focal point in educational research, with educators seeking effective strategies to engage students and improve learning outcomes. In “Active Learning and Effective Teaching Strategies,” (2023) provides a comprehensive overview of active learning approaches and their implementation in educational settings.

Grounded in current research on active learning and effective teaching, this article highlights several key findings:

  • Traditional lecture-based teaching often leads to passive learning, which can result in lower retention and engagement.
  • Active learning strategies increase student engagement, motivation and critical thinking skills.
  • Teacher knowledge and preparation are crucial for the successful implementation of active learning techniques.
  • A variety of active learning strategies can be employed, including peer learning, discovery formats, role-play, think-pair-share, class debates and simulations.

To promote active learning and enhance student engagement in educational settings, the author recommends that educators follow these suggestions.

  • Utilize discovery or inquiry formats to promote independent thinking and problem-solving sills.
  • Incorporate role-play and simulations to provide concrete representations of abstract concepts.
  • Employ think-pair-share strategies to encourage reflection and discussion.
  • Use class debates to develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.
  • Implement peer learning and group work to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The article also emphasizes the importance of establishing clear ground rules for classroom interactions and provides guidance for handling student frustrations and conflicts.

Educators can empower students by implementing these active learning strategies and creating an environment that encourages participation, critical thinking and curiosity. This approach has the potential to significantly improve student engagement and learning outcomes across various educational levels. Reference: Dogani, B. (2023). Active learning and effective teaching strategies. International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches, 7(4), 136-142. https://doi.org/10.59287/ijanser.578