Empowering Students and Educators: Active and Applied Learning's Integration in Higher Education Culture

Full Project Document

Introduction (Click Implementation Memorandum to read full document)

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, the imperative to cultivate active and applied learning experiences has become increasingly paramount. Research consistently demonstrates that active learning methods not only enhance students' understanding and retention of course material but also foster critical thinking skills and deeper engagement with the subject matter. In contrast to passive learning approaches, such as traditional lectures, active learning empowers students to take an active role in their education, promoting a deeper understanding of concepts and better preparation for real-world challenges. Despite these proven benefits, our institution grapples with fragmented practices, hindering the realization of active learning's full potential. This paper endeavors to address this challenge by establishing a systematic approach for documenting, assessing, and promoting active and applied learning practices institution-wide.

Example Survey Questions

We have put together some example survey questions that you can use at your institution to help determine where your institution is in implementing active learning college wide. After institution is going to be at different levels and have different needs. This is one way to help measure that and determine which direction you take in implementing and improving active learning in the classroom and staff training

Example Survey Results

Galveston College has provided the results so that you all can see an example of the outcome of the survey. Keep in mind these questions were specifically chosen for Galveston College to fit their needs. The questions that would work best for your institution may be different.

Active Learning Ideas

Faculty and staff alike are going to need to do some brainstorming on ideas for active learning that meets the needs of the course or trainings they are putting together. Click “See Ideas” below to get a starting point. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part.