The CLEAR Framework to Implement Active Learning in STEM Education

Abstract

Despite rapidly increasing research evidence, the implementation of active learning practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms has been slow. Effective translation of this new paradigm into teaching activities necessitates the development of an actionable course design framework that can explicitly guide the implementation of active learning by teachers. This study proposes a novel conceptual framework by the author-Create, Learn, Extend, Apply, and Remember (CLEAR)-to fostering a digital change in faculty development programs and implementing active learning in undergraduate-level STEM education. The CLEAR framework has both theory and practice layers. CLEAR template courses are introduced as an online faculty development model, and its nested course structure will allow learners to experience active learning at both course and lesson levels. Future works are introduced, and further efforts are suggested.