Active learning

Study Skills to Prepare the Adult Learner

Topic: Active learning

Aim: To enable students to take control of their learning in a

positive way

Objectives: At the end of this session students will be able to:

· Devise a working definition of active learning

· Understand the principles of active learning and what is involved

· Identify areas of study they need to work on

· Devise strategies for active learning

· Integrate active learning skills into study routines

Target Group: Pre-GED

Length: Approximately 2 hours

Materials: Markers (or chalkboard and chalk) chart, sample learning

web.

Activity

1) Brainstorm the concept of active learning and work towards a definition.

Draw on examples from the group (15 mins)

2) Ask students to complete the following chart identifying their strengths in studying and

areas which need development. (20 mins)

3) Working in groups, students should identify active learning strategies in three

key study skill areas (active reading, discussion and tutorials, writing skills). Each

group should work on one area and construct a learning web.

(30 mins)

a) active reading – allow students to provide answers, but make sure the

following strategies are included;

· using a highlighter

· taking notes

· reading with directed questions in mind

· summarizing arguments

· reconstructing the main themes from memory etc

· reading around the subject

b) discussions + tutorials – allow students to provide answers, but make

sure the following strategies are included;

· preparing before going to a discussion class or tutorial

· reading through notes/material

· joining in the discussions

· if you do not feel confident prepare a question or comment in advance

i.e. work at participation

· asking if you do not understand or are not sure about something

· trying to be assertive

c) writing skills – allow students to provide answers, but make sure the

following strategies are include;

· reading round/researching the subject

· working to a plan

· always writing a rough draft

· proof read writing for spelling errors

· proof read writing for grammatical errors

· proof read for clear expression

· put together a checklist of your most common errors and use to proof all writing

4) Have groups share findings and discuss strategies. Extend to other study

skill areas if time allows e.g. presentation skills. (30 mins)

5) Review class definition of active learning and discuss other ways for students to take

control of learning. (20 mins)

For example;

Setting up study groups

Working together on past (GED) test papers

Practicing the test within a set time – using this test paper

Assessment/Homework (5mins – to set)

· Have students list 5 helpful things learned from the lesson

· Have students prepare a checklist that includes examples from the writing

skills web of areas they need to work on

· Ask students to include the materials used in this session in their Personal Learning

Log

· Ask students to locate their nearest library

Follow Up:

· Recap understanding of active learning.

· Review progress on identifying skill areas which need developing

· Review active learning strategies being use