How to Build an Active Learning Classroom
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
-Mark Van Dore
For those of us who went to graduate school specifically for nursing education, you likely remember spending a good chunk of a semester learning, reading about, and discussing all the learning theorists and identifying the components of their theories. I know I had pages of compare and contrast charts to help me remember the details of each theory. So, from that experience, did you end up with a favorite learning theorist?
Favorite Learning Theorist
I know mine for sure - Jerome Bruner and his constructivist-based theory about how we learn. Below are some aspects of this theory that closely align with my own beliefs about teaching and learning.
Teaching and Learning Highlights
My favorite aspects of Jerome Bruner’s learning theory.
Active Learning as a Tool for Alignment
For me, active learning is an instructional approach that gives me the tools to teach in a way that aligns with my beliefs about how we learn. I want to acknowledge that everyone has different experiences with learning and may have different ideas about ways to improve nursing education. However, even if our beliefs differ about how students learn best, we all share the same goal.
If this style of teaching feels like something you want to explore further, the article below is an approach to starting or refining your active learning classroom. It is a step-by-step guide that encourages slow, meaningful changes over time. I want to encourage all of us to experiment as nursing educators, followed by thoughtful reflection and intentional modifications. Just one activity at a time can make a world of difference!
Roadmap to Active Learning Classroom
First, this is a long article. It goes through the multiple steps of setting up an active classroom:
Support for active learning in research
Writing learning objectives
Preparing pre-lecture content
Creating a timeline for class
Developing resources for class
Short and long evaluation
Delivery of active learning in class
How to Build an
Active Learning Classroom
Use active learning to create alignment between yourself and how you teach.
If you are experienced in a flipped classroom and looking to refine your techniques or are just getting started, this article will help you create an interactive, engaging classroom session.
Looking for more active learning ideas?
There are many more helpful, practical articles in the Idea Bank.
Or, if you would like to incorporate active learning into your classroom, check out BreakoutRN products.