Learn how to create engaging lesson plans for active learning classrooms. Follow this method of effective strategies and tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Instructors and learning design teams in higher education are increasingly focusing on active learning to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Here's how you can create a successful lesson plan for an active learning classroom:
1. Set Clear Learning Goals:
- Define clear learning objectives that align with the course outcomes and the active learning approach.
2. Select Appropriate Active Learning Strategies:
- Choose active learning strategies that are suitable for the content and the classroom setup. Examples include group work, problem-solving activities, and case studies.
3. Incorporate Technology Tools:
- Integrate technology tools like ThinkHub to facilitate hands-on collaboration and interaction among students. Use digital whiteboards, screen sharing, and the T1V app to engage students actively, whether they are in the room or remote.
4. Design Collaborative Activities:
- Create activities that promote collaboration among students. Encourage peer teaching, group projects, and discussions to enhance learning.
5. Implement Formative Assessments:
- Use formative assessments throughout the lesson to gauge student understanding. These can include quizzes, polls, and group presentations.
6. Utilize Flipped Classroom Models:
- Consider flipping the classroom by assigning lectures as homework and using class time for active learning activities. This allows students to engage more deeply with the material during class.
7. Create Flexible Learning Spaces:
- Design classrooms that are flexible and adaptable to different active learning activities. Consider movable furniture, writable surfaces, and technology integration.
8. Provide Ongoing Support:
- Offer training and support for instructors to help them effectively implement active learning strategies. Provide resources, workshops, and mentoring to enhance teaching practices.
Successful active learning classrooms in higher education often involve a combination of these strategies. By designing engaging lesson plans that incorporate active learning principles and utilizing technology tools like ThinkHub, instructors and learning design teams can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Want to learn more? Check out some examples of how instructors are designing their active learning lesson plans with ThinkHub Education on our ThinkHub Use Case page.