Topic outline

  • Overview of Traditional and Active Learning Strategies

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    In this section we will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and active learning strategies.  There will be times when using each of these strategies will be appropriate.  This will be dependent on a number of factors including, time, resources, knowledge of pupils etc.  It is however, important when planning that you use a variety of methodologies which will provide the best possible learning experience for our children and young people.

     

    • This Prezi outlines some of the benefits and disadvantages of using traditional teacher focused classroom methodology.  There may well be times where a traditional teacher centered approach might be the the most efficient way to proceed.  Using a teacher centered model as your main delivery method will not however, allow you to develop the four four capacities envisioned in a Curriculum for Excellence.

    • The table below outlines a few active learning strategies you may wish to or already employ.  In the column on the right are links to short videos which will provide further information.  In the spirit of micro learning, all of these videos are less that 5 minutes long.

      Methodology

      Description

      Benefits

      Challenges

      Would you like to learn more?

      (All videos are less than 5 mins long)

      Active learning

       

      Students actively participate in the learning process through activities, discussions and problem solving

      Increased engagement, deeper understanding, improved retention

      Requires careful planning and facilitation. It can be time consuming

      Active Learning 3 minute overview

      Differentiated Instruction

       

      Tailoring Instruction to meet the learning needs of individual learners.

      All students can succeed regardless of their learning needs, style or pace

      Can be challenging to implement properly in a large classroom.  The teacher requires to have and in-depth knowledge of all their students.

      Differentiating Instruction - It's not as hard as you think

      Project based Learning

       

      Children/young people work on individual projects that allow them to apply learning to the real-world problems/issues.

      Is very good for developing critical skills, collaboration and problem-solving skills

      Can be time consuming, takes detailed planning and resources.

      There is a section of this course on this topic which you’ll be completing soon.

      Inquiry based learning

       

      Students learn by asking questions, conducting investigations and drawing conclusions

      Fosters curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning

      Can be challenging to manage.  It requires the teacher to be comfortable in dealing with open ended questions.

      Enquiry Based learning the ultimate 4min 38 second guide

      Cooperative learning

       

      Students work collaboratively in small groups to achieve a common goal

      Develops teamwork, communication and social skills

      Requires effective planning, particularly around group formation and structuring tasks to ensure everyone actively participates.

      There is a section of this course on this topic which you’ll be completing soon.

      Technology Integration

       

      Utilising technology to enhance the learning experience

      Can make learning more engaging and interactive.  It pens up the possibility of utilising a larger range of resources.

      Can be distracting and requires the teacher to possess technological skills.

      Technology Integration - an introduction

      Formative Assessment

       

      Ongoing assessment to monitor progress and inform teaching

      Provides valuable feedback to both teachers and students. Helps to identify areas where students need additional support.

      Can be time consuming.  Teachers need to be comfortable using data analysis.

       
    • URL icon
      Active Learning Overview URL
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      Although the example given in the video might not necessarily be viable in your own teaching environment, the process of learning in the brain is applicable to all active learning.

    • ACTIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES

      Click on the link below to see some strategies to support active learning in your teaching. Some of these you may be familiar with and use regularly, whereas others may be new to you or strategies that you haven't used for a while.

       

    • Welcome to this micro learning course on Effective Learning Strategies. This is a professional learning module outlining a range of strategies to support effective Learning and Teaching.  This focusses on strategies to encourage active participation in the learning process.

  • Topic 1

  • Topic 2

    • The link below is to our Inspirational Pedagogy Asssistantand which will plan a lesson for you.  Your task is to choose a lesson topic and enter the details and it will generate a lesson for you with a specific Project based learning element.

      Inspirational pedagogy assistant

       

  • Ten Tips for Learning and Retaining Knowledge and Skills

  • Professional Enquiry Suggestions

    • Here are some suggestions for professional enquiries that you could undertake:-

      Focusing on Student Engagement:

      • Inquiry: "How can I effectively incorporate technology to increase student engagement and motivation in my [subject] classroom?"

        • Possible Methods:
          • Literature Review: Research current trends in educational technology (e.g., gamification, virtual reality, interactive whiteboards).
          • Action Research: Implement a specific technology in your classroom, collect data (e.g., student surveys, observations), and analyze the impact on engagement.
          • Case Study: Investigate how another teacher successfully uses technology to engage students in a similar subject.

      • Inquiry: "What are the most effective strategies for differentiating instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of my students?"

        • Possible Methods:
          • Literature Review: Explore different differentiation models (e.g., tiered activities, learning centers, flexible grouping).
          • Action Research: Experiment with different differentiation strategies in your classroom and observe student progress and engagement.
          • Collaboration: Collaborate with other teachers to share ideas and best practices for differentiation.

      2. Exploring Deeper Learning:

      • Inquiry: "How can I foster deeper learning in my students by incorporating project-based learning or inquiry-based learning?"

        • Possible Methods:
          • Literature Review: Research the theoretical frameworks of project-based learning and inquiry-based learning.
          • Action Research: Design and implement a project or inquiry-based unit in your classroom, and assess student learning outcomes.
          • Observation: Observe other teachers who successfully implement project-based or inquiry-based learning.

      • Inquiry: "How can I effectively assess student understanding of complex concepts beyond traditional summative assessments?"

        • Possible Methods:
          • Literature Review: Explore alternative assessment methods (e.g., portfolios, presentations, exhibitions, peer and self-assessment).
          • Action Research: Implement alternative assessments in your classroom and analyze their effectiveness in measuring student learning.
          • Collaboration: Collaborate with other teachers to develop and share effective assessment rubrics.

      3. Examining Classroom Culture:

      • Inquiry: "How can I create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students in my classroom?"

        • Possible Methods:
          • Literature Review: Research best practices for creating inclusive classrooms (e.g., addressing bias, promoting diversity, building a positive classroom climate).
          • Action Research: Implement specific strategies to promote inclusivity in your classroom and observe the impact on student learning and well-being.
          • Reflection: Regularly reflect on your own teaching practices and identify any biases or inequities that may exist.

      • Inquiry: "How can I effectively foster a growth mindset and a love of learning in my students?"

        • Possible Methods:
          • Literature Review: Research the principles of growth mindset and strategies for cultivating it in the classroom.
          • Action Research: Implement strategies to encourage a growth mindset in your students (e.g., emphasising effort and perseverance, providing constructive feedback).
          • Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues to share strategies and resources for fostering a growth mindset.

      Tips for Choosing an Inquiry:

      • Select a topic that genuinely interests you.
      • Choose a topic that is relevant to your current teaching context.
      • Ensure that your inquiry is focused and manageable.
      • Consider the resources and support available to you.