This is part 2 of a three-part article series about Active Learning.
In the first part of this article series, we discussed what active learning is and the benefits that it will bring to a custom elearning course. Now we will dwell on three specific examples that will help you implement this method of learning.
To review the first part of the series, this learning technique provide learners with the opportunity to actively participate in their education. It is no longer wise to keep them passive as they try to absorb whatever it is that is fed to them. When they take on an active role, they get to question what they are learning. They also get to control the experience that they will go through while learning. This leads to an increase in motivation, sense of learning responsibility and a higher performance rate for the learners.
Now these advantages can only be enjoyed if it is implemented properly in the elearning course. An effective implementation of active learning involves providing the participants with the means to analyze, evaluate, and apply the information that is being taught. Here are three specific examples of how you can do that in your elearning course.
Through well formulated questions.
When you ask well-formulated questions, you are doing two things. First is increasing the level of engagement in learners. The second is encouraging them to use critical thinking as they deal with the question presented to them. Of course, this will only be successful if you can formulate your questions really well. You have to ask the right way. Think about the purpose of the question, how you want the learners to react and where it should lead the lesson. Of course, the questions should be phrased in such a way that compliments the level of thinking of the learners. Otherwise, nobody would be able to answer it correctly.
Through an online debate.
A debate is a form of discussion wherein ideas are challenged and defended by two opposing parties. The process involves dividing the group into two and presenting them with an idea. One group will oppose the idea and the other will defend it. Both groups will do their own research and develop their respective arguments depending on what is assigned to them – if they will oppose or defend the idea presented. This is a great way to motivate the learners to deepen their knowledge of the lesson – as it can be applied to the idea they are debating. This develops both critical and logical thinking as each group aims to make their argument win.
Through a problem solving activity.
The last suggestion to implement active learning is through problem solving. This is a great way to put any theory that was discussed into practice. What you can do is to present them with a scenario where the learners can use the knowledge or skills learned. A problem is usually presented as this will be the catalyst by which the learners will use their acquired learnings. It would be best to create a scenario wherein there is no wrong answer to avoid hesitation in the part of learners. Some of them may be embarrassed to give the wrong answer.
There are other ways that you can implement active learning in your elearning course. You can ask learners to write about. You can create a contest or game that will help bring the fun into the learning process. Anything that you believe will be relevant and best suited in providing learners with the platform to practice what they have learned should be okay.
In the last part of this article series, we will be discussing how active learning can be inserted in the content creation of the elearning course.
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