Active learning is a commonly-used phrase that many have different conceptions of or attribute different characteristics to. In this 4-part, self-paced online workshop, learn the the basic components along with the benefits and limitations of active learning. Participants will use this knowledge to determine when active learning would be a benefit to the learning process and how they can apply new active learning strategies in the classroom. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define the term “active learning”
- Describe the benefits and limitations of active learning
- Determine when active learning would be a benefit to the learning process
- Describe how to incorporate an active learning activity into a lesson
Audience & registration
This course is designed first and foremost for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in STEM/SBE disciplines, but generally relevant to anyone interested in learning more about active learning and incorporating it in the classroom. Course access is limited to participants at CIRTL member institutions, or alumni of CIRTL programs. When registering, you will be asked to confirm your current institution and your alumni status in order to confirm your eligibility for this course. Registration coming by Fall 2025.
Accessibility & course content
If you have access needs, please let us know what they are. Contact CIRTL’s help desk (support@cirtl.net) to let us know how we can help you have a successful experience. Course content includes written text, videos, and additional optional readings. Student work includes answering prompts and reflecting using discussion boards to show what you’ve learned.
About CIRTL Programming
CIRTL Network programming is designed to develop future faculty committed to implementing and advancing evidence-based teaching practices to create undergraduate educational experiences that are accessible to all learners. Participants can explore our programming in any order, and to whatever extent supports your own teaching development needs and interests. To help participants understand what they can expect across all our programming, all CIRTL programming aligns with four broad learning goals; within those goals, programming might provide participants with an introductory, intermediate, or advanced learning experience.
This course supports the following CIRTL learning goals at an introductory level:
- Goal 1: Develop evidence-based teaching knowledge. See more Goal 1 programming.
- Goal 2: Connect with community to enhance teaching. See more Goal 2 programming.