Use Active Learning and Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) to Help Student Learning
Inspired by learning theories such as Social Constructivist Theory and theoretical frameworks such as the ICAP framework, active learning differs from passive learning in the way that students are actively engaged in the learning process. As studies pointed out, active learning has the potential to boost student engagement and improve learning outcomes across different levels (mostly in higher education), study fields (particularly in STEM fields), and demographics (Freeman et al., 2014). In the meantime, previous studies also indicated that enacting active learning pedagogies in spaces that are not fit for active learning purposes might result in suboptimal learning (Talbert & Mor-Avi, 2019).
To address this issue, active learning classrooms (ALCs) were created as learning spaces that are usually acentric or polycentric and have features and technologies that can support active learning. When paired together, active learning and ALCs can more effectively improve student learning experiences and performance, as documented in various empirical studies and meta-analysis (e.g., Stover & Ziswiler, 2017; Talbert & Mor-Avi, 2019; as well as CELT’s recent study, Kong et al., 2023). Meanwhile, ALCs are positively associated with instructors’ teaching practices and can encourage instructors to reconsider their teaching methods and philosophies (Brooks & Solheim, 2014).
If you are interested in adopting active learning pedagogies for your class in one of the active learning classrooms on campus, check out the resources below! Additionally, feel free to work with our experienced instructional designers and educational researchers at CELT to support student learning through active learning and ALCs.
Join Our Active Learning Group!
If you are an educator, researcher, or practitioner who is passionate about enhancing teaching and learning environments, consider joining our Active Learning Google Group! Here we share upcoming workshops, events, and opportunities about active learning/active learning classrooms. We encourage the sharing of effective practices, research and trends, practical tips and techniques, as well as provide a space for questions regarding active learning and active learning classrooms (ALCs).
Email CELT at celt@stonybrook.edu to request to be added to our Active Learning Google Group.
Active Learning Classrooms
Active learning classrooms (ALCs) and other active learning spaces are spaces designed to promote active learning, facilitate collaboration among students, and encourage student engagement.
At Stony Brook University, our active learning classrooms (ALCs) feature modular furniture, expanded AV equipment that allows for multiple device connectivity, and collaboration-centered equipment such as moveable white boards and work stations.
Active Learning Activities
There are many different types of active learning activities that range from individual to large group activities. These activities are highly engaging while allowing students to work collaboratively in an environment where they are encouraged to apply higher-order thinking skills, connect personally with course content, and provide feedback to both students and instructors which can be instrumental in designing more effective learning experiences.
References
Brooks, D. C., & Solheim, C. A. (2014). Pedagogy matters, too: The impact of adapting teaching approaches to formal learning environments on student learning. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, 2014(137).
Freeman, S., Eddy, S. L., McDonough, M., Smith, M. K., Okoroafor, N., Jordt, H., & Wenderoth, M. P. (2014). Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(23), 8410-8415.
Kong, Y., Bell, K., Tirotta-Esposito, R., & Kim, H. (2023). Active learning classrooms: Do they benefit the teaching and learning process? Presented at 2023 American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
Stover, S., & Ziswiler, K. (2017). Impact of Active Learning Environments on Community of Inquiry. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 29(3), 458-470.
Talbert, R., & Mor-Avi, A. (2019). A space for learning: An analysis of research on active learning spaces. Heliyon, 5(12).
