Active Learning

 

Learning and Remembering Require an Active Approach 

• The goal is to learn new information and ideas. How to you get them from the book and lecture into your brain? It's important to use active learning!
• Use active learning strategies because research has shown them to work best.

Active learning means that you are taking responsibility for your own learning. An active learner: 

• Takes action to gather information (reads the text before class, uses a note taking method like Cornell notes)
• Practices thinking about the new ideas (asks questions in class or while reading to motivate deeper understanding) 
• Develops their own ideas about the new information. Compares and contrasts the new ideas with their own ideas. 
• Tries applying the new ideas (using a new math equation to solve a problem; using a new word or concept to explain something in an essay). 

 

Active learners learn better! When you are taking an active role in your learning, your thinking and practice link the new information to long-term memories in your brain. You need to fully understand something to explain it in your own words. Active learning increases understanding and boosts memory! 

Active learning can also be fun! Ask questions. Study with others. Draw silly pictures and sing crazy songs that help you to remember the information. Actively enjoy your learning - you are working toward your college goals! 

 

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