Active Learning Strategy

Studying and discussing the various active learning strategies and how they impact student understanding of course material and overall learning has really opened my mind to new ways of approaching the same material. Many of the strategies we've discussed are implemented in various ways throughout the educational experience of students. Whether or not the strategy is effective definitely depends upon the level of skill and enthusiasm in which it is presented. With that said I feel all strategies have potential to be utilized and fill a specific role in the classroom, but for this post I will choose problem-based learning and case studies as the stragety I will focus on.

Setting up for problem-based learning and case studies relies heavily on a teacher's understanding of the class and where they are in their learning progression. It is imperative students have the necessary cognitive tools at their disposal to effectively discuss and evaluate the studies being addressed. Once the students have reached the appropriate level case studies are a very effective means of drawing together knowledge from many areas of not only education, but also life. This combination and restructuring of how questions are addressed and answers formulated represents the most valuable and often overlooked aspect of education, application. Using this strategy appeals not only to students eager to learn traditionally but also those more interested in what takes place outside the classroom. When correctly facilitated by the instructor we have the ability to teach students knowledge and application in the same exercise. Without the ability to apply knowledge and in turn use that application to learn for future situations students will have a difficult time functioning in the "real" world. I feel equiping them for success beyond the classroom is the most challenging aspect of teaching and the reason for me being involved in this course.