Building an Active Classroom Using the Active Learning Pedagogy Sequence

Abstract

This paper is a practical how-to guide to help you start using active learning or to have greater success and more fun with it. We categorize active learning techniques as Think, Pair, Share, Composite, Group, Move, or Lead and discuss how to implement activities in each category, along with advice on creating engaging, effective, and equitable learning experiences. We introduce the Active Learning Pedagogy Sequence (ALPS) which orders these categories by difficulty and time for instructors and students. We believe both instructors' teaching skills and students' learning skills develop along the ALPS.