Basic Elements of Active Learning

There are four basic elements through which all students learn, where specific active learning strategies utilise one or more of these.

1. Talking and listening
2. Writing
3. Reading
4. Reflecting

 

Talking and listening –

Whether answering a teacher’s question or explaining a point to another student; when students talk about a topic they organise and reinforce what they have learned.  When they listen, educators want to ensure that it’s meaningful listening, relating what they hear to what they already know.  Throughout lessons, students need segmented time away from passive listening in order to absorb what they have heard. 

 

Writing –

In conjunction to talking and active listening, writing provides a means for learners to process new information in their own words.  It is essentially effective in large classrooms where breaking students into [airs or small groups may be prohibited, due to reasons such as behaviour management.  It is also appealing to those who prefer to learn independently.

 

Reading –

Student can do a great deal of learning through reading, though unfortunately they often receive little instruction in how to read efficiently.  Active learning exercises such as note and summary checks can aid students process what they have read and help them to develop their ability to focus on important importation.

 

Reflecting -

The basic element of reflecting involves the teacher, allowing time at the completion of the lesson, or segmented throughout the lesson, time to reflect on their learning.  This happens all too often, at the end of the class the teacher stops talking, the bell rings and the students pack up their books and leaves or move to the next lesson or class.  They are given no time too individually and as a class, to reflect on the content of what they have just been taught and investigated. 

 

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By being able to implement and manipulate these core elements of learning into a strategy to encourage active learning within your classroom is vital.  Through manipulation, you as an educator will be able to create and master your planning to encourage students active learning through meeting students learning needs and building on their prior knowledge, whilst assisting in the development of not only their knowledge of numeracy literacy and all curriculum areas but also assist in developing their social skills as young learners.