Active Learning Strategies in Enhancing Learning among College Students

Abstract

This chapter explores the relationship between active learning strategies and skills and attributes that enhance learning (SAEL) among college students. Developing skills and attributes that enhance learning (SAEL) among college students is critical to student success and persistence in college. Additionally, SAEL help the students develop a sustained learning commitment while in college and after graduation. However, little evidence is there to show how higher education institutions are equipping students with SAEL. This study seeks to investigate if there is a relationship between active learning strategies (ALS) and SAEL. Secondary data from the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) at a Midwestern state university in the USA were employed to examine the relationship between ALS and SAEL. The results of the analysis showed positive significant correlations between ALS and SAEL components, (p < 0.001). Multiple regression model showed that ALS predictor variables significantly predict SAEL, R2 = .196, R2adj = .188, F (7, 731) = 25.38, p < .001. The regression model accounts for 19.6% of variance in SAEL.

Technology Enhanced Active Learning: A Promising Model for Low Language Readiness to Study at an EMI University

“…The participants in the experimental group also condemned that the tasks and activities used in class and as assignments were so meaningful, purposeful and realistic, so they brought about higher motivation and better learning. That can be because active learning is a teaching method based on constructivist and social constructivist learning theories (Charles et al, 2014), and learning focuses on effective application of authentic students’ daily life experience. This may mean that disadvantaged learners learn better in classrooms where they are not expected to learn by sitting and listening to the teacher teaching content not applicable to their needs or interests, instead they are given opportunities to embody content that is highly relevant to their lives and needs.…”

“…Since active learning is a teaching method based on constructivist and social constructivist learning theories (Charles et al, 2014), the effective application of authentic learning focused on students’ daily life experience was designed for the study. In this classroom, students were not expected to learn by sitting and listening to the teacher.…”