How can you use active learning to improve your lecture-based course?

1 Assess your learning goals

The first step to use active learning in your lecture-based course is to assess your learning goals and outcomes. What do you want your students to know, do, and feel by the end of your course? How do you measure their progress and achievement? How do you align your lectures with your learning objectives? These questions will help you identify the gaps and opportunities for active learning in your course. You can also use tools such as Bloom's taxonomy or the SOLO taxonomy to classify your learning goals according to different levels of cognitive complexity and challenge.

2 Choose appropriate activities

The second step to use active learning in your lecture-based course is to choose appropriate activities that match your learning goals and outcomes. There are many types of active learning activities that you can use in your lectures, such as quizzes, polls, discussions, case studies, simulations, games, peer instruction, problem-solving, and demonstrations. You can also use online platforms and tools to facilitate these activities, such as Kahoot, Mentimeter, Padlet, Google Forms, and Zoom. The key is to select activities that are relevant, meaningful, and engaging for your students and that allow them to apply, analyze, evaluate, and create knowledge.

3 Implement and monitor

The third step to use active learning in your lecture-based course is to implement and monitor the activities that you have chosen. You need to plan ahead and prepare the materials, instructions, and logistics for each activity. You also need to communicate clearly with your students about the purpose, expectations, and outcomes of each activity. During the activity, you need to monitor the students' participation, feedback, and performance. You can use formative assessment techniques, such as exit tickets, thumbs up/down, one-minute papers, or muddiest point, to check their understanding and satisfaction.

4 Review and reflect

The fourth and final step to use active learning in your lecture-based course is to review and reflect on the results and impact of the activities. You need to collect and analyze the data and evidence from the activities, such as students' responses, scores, comments, and evaluations. You also need to reflect on your own teaching practice, such as what worked well, what did not work well, and what can be improved. You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, feedback surveys, or self-evaluation forms to guide your reflection. You can also share your findings and insights with your colleagues or peers for further feedback and support.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?