Active Learning Methodologies in ClassicsActive Learning Methodologies in ClassicsFacilitators: Louise Potter & Colm DooleyFacilitators: Louise Potter & Colm Dooley
The Learning Gap The Learning Gap ==
the difference between what the difference between what we know about effective we know about effective
learning... and what is currently learning... and what is currently happening in the classroom.happening in the classroom.
Active teaching and LearningActive teaching and Learning
• Presumes Presumes all all are doing and are doing and thinking about doing.thinking about doing.
Learning Theories• Visual/Auditory/Kinesthetic• Left Brain/Right Brain• Multiple Intelligences• Co-operative/Group Learning
• http://www.lancsngfl.ac.uk/nationalstrategy/literacy/files/TheBrainandLearning.pdf
Visual/Auditory/Kinaesthetic Learners
• Visual Learners
Prefer to see information
• Auditory Learners
Prefer to hear information
• Kinaesthetic LearnersLearn best by doing, touching, making
LEFT Brain RIGHT Brain
Language Linearity Logic Number/Maths Sequence Words of a Poem From whole to parts Phonetic reading Unrelated Facts
Forms and patterns Spatial manipulation Dimension Synthesis Images and patterns Rhythm and Music Tune of a Song From parts to Whole Imagination
LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL
How can I bring in numbers, calculations, logic, classifications, or critical thinking skills?
LINGUISTIC
How can I use spoken or written word?
SPATIAL
How can I use visual aids, visualisation, colour, art or metaphor?
INTRAPERSONAL
How can I evoke personal feelings or memories, or give students choices?
INTERPERSONAL
How can I engage students in peer sharing or co-operative learning?
BODILY-KINAESTHETIC
How can I involve the whole body or use hands-on experiences?
Planning for Multiple
Intelligences MUSICAL
How can I bring in music or environmental sounds, or set key points in a rhythmic or melodic framework?NATURALIST
How can I draw in/evoke the world of nature?
Adapted from Howard Gardner
Soft touch…
What is active learning?
• Active learning involves students doing things and thinking about what they are doing.
• Active teaching and learning involves the use of strategies which maximise opportunities for interaction.
Attempts to avoid…
• Parroting in a vacuum
• Anonymity
• Disturbance/Misbehaviour
• Domination by the few
• Predictability
• Boredom
Attempts to…• Develop skills
• Promote metacognition
• Promote collegiality
• Promote perseverance/resilience
• Engage/Motivate
• Promote problem solving and creativity
TWO MINUTE THINK!
Write down the objective/learning outcome verbs that you would most often use for your
classes
How many of these?
• Reduce
• Change
• Replace
• Add
• Arrange
• Connect
• Compose
• Invent
• Predict
• Qualify
• Assemble
• Sequence
This is not new thinking…
I HEAR AND I FORGET
I SEE AND I REMEMBER
I DO AND I UNDERSTAND
Confucius 5th Century BCE China
“One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it-you have no certainty, until you try.”
Sophocles 5thCentury BCE Greece
TWO MINUTE THINK!
So how does this thinking alter the role of the teacher in the classroom?
Old V NewRole of the teacher
• DesignerDesigner
• CreatorCreator
• ‘‘Scaffolder’Scaffolder’
• FacilitatorFacilitator
• Reflective Reflective practitionerpractitioner
• Active Active researcherresearcher
• InnovatorInnovator
• Receptacle of Receptacle of knowledge.knowledge.
• Examinations expert.Examinations expert.
• AuthoritarianAuthoritarian
• Text Book Text Book dominateddominated
• Transferral methodsTransferral methods
• TraditionalTraditional
Concerns about cooperative/active learning
• Losing control
• Dominance by strong individuals
• Discussion goes off track
• Takes too long to set up
• Lecture gets through material quicker
• Necessary level of planning by teacher, for it to work properly, just too much.
• Large class sizes not conducive.
• Physical environment not suitable.
• Tradition-Parents/Students/Management
Active/Cooperative learning methods
• Polling
• Group work
• Think pair share
• Jigsaw
• Group projects
• Vox Pop
• Wiki
• Snowball
• Think, pair share
• Diamond 9
• Walking Debate
• Interview
• Hot Seat
• Role play
• Freeze Frame
• Brainstorming
• Using clickers or traffic lights(caution)
• Sandwich technique
Group Work
• Remember students may not know how to behave. They may not be used to facing each other where facial expressions can be even more hurtful than words.
• All ideas must be valued equally.
• One person speaks the rest listen
• Everyone should record though one person might be nominated as reporter.
• Clear objectives need to be established
Tasks within group….Differentiation
• Reader
• Illustrator
• Reporter
• Time Keeper
• Observer (Like secretary)
• Chairperson (Interpersonal)
• Group critic
• Runner – Clarifies with the teacher
• Summariser
Some reading suggestions:
• Mike Hughes
• Edward De Bono
• Carol McGuinness
• Paul Ginnis