Active Learning: Practical Tips & Strategies by Dajha Houston

Preparation Matters!

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:05:32 UTC

Structure, organization, and being deliberate can go a long way in creating effective activities that promote participation and engagement. Ensure everything you are doing is meaningful and prepared.

Access to Students Names

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:09:20 UTC

Learn all you students names if possible. This can be a great way to show students that you care, but it also makes it easier to create those collaborative activities and connect students with one another.

Intentional Language to Monitor Student Participation

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:12:19 UTC

Jot down ideas for things you can say in class that will help encourage participation, and practice this language.

Reflection & Silent Thinking Time

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:14:52 UTC

Pose a question, and be QUIET. Set a timer, work through the task while students are working through it.

Anonymous Ways to Assess Learning

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:16:23 UTC

Create opportunities for students to share where they are in their learning process without personally identifying themselves.

Think, Pair, Share

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:19:25 UTC

Truly give students time to think. Sometimes writing somethings down, sometimes getting consent to share first. Or even doing a local share like with a small group.

Assign Roles In Group Discussions

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:21:36 UTC

Roles like reporters can be great for small groups because it creates structure and expectation.

Various Ways to get Input/Engagement

dkhousto — 2025-02-12 14:22:59 UTC

Don't let students fall into the background. Find ways to allow for all students to participate in sharing and discussions.