Active Learning

Active Learning

This week…

This week I learned about new tools (Today's Meet (no longer available) and Audioboom), I was introduced to ways I can use known tools in the classroom in a new way (Pic-Collage), and used a new tool (Padlet) to capture my thoughts. 

Image Source: Blog Author's Padlet

Active Learning:

The active learning activity I chose to dive into has several components to it. Students recorded themselves using Audioboom to share a book review. In addition, students also use a digital tool, Pic-Collage, to create their own book cover to accompany their oral review. Once all that is completed, students use Today’s Meet to leave each other feedback on their projects. This project has several components of active learning threaded through it, and even more that can easily be added. First, it is incredibly student centered with students are able to choose their own book to review. To take it one step further, students could even create their own rubric for their oral review, giving them a lot of choice on how they want to present the information and their thoughts. This activity also revolves around leaving peer feedback. Another addition that would implement another trait of active learning would be if students did a self-reflection along with their peer feedback. They could even use self-made rubrics for that process, making it even more student-led and giving students even more of a voice. This engaging activity can be modified for 2nd graders by having them use a tool like Flip to share their projects and leave video replies to their peers. 

 Why is Active Learning Important?

I believe that active learning should always be kept in mind when developing lessons. We know that all students learn differently, and giving students more choice and more of a voice in their assignments will always help them to learn more and retain that knowledge better. I also believe in incorporating student interest in my lessons to make sure that the activities I am having my students complete are engaging and meaningful for them. For the benefit of all students, teachers should consciously strive to embed active learning into all of their lessons. 

In My Experience…

I try to include active learning into the curriculum as much as possible. One of the ways that I do this is by allowing my students to choose how they’d like to present the information that they researched as a part of our science and social studies units. They are able to choose between using digital tools like Flip, Chatter Pix and Book Creator or physical media like posters or dioramas. During this time, my students not only get the chance to choose their own learning style, but they then get to present to the class and the class gives them oral feedback- both praise and constructive criticism. Another way that I include active learning in the classroom is by having my students set their own reading and writing goals. For writing, at the end of each unit, my students take all of the goals that they set for themselves and use those to create their own writing rubric. They then evaluate themselves based on that rubric.

Image Source: Blog Author

These are just a few of the ways that I include active learning lessons and activities into the classroom. Although I make an effort to include many active learning opportunities for my students, I know there is always room for growth! What are your favorite ways to provide your elementary students with active learning experiences?