Seven practical strategies to add active learning to a science lecture. (19th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Adrienne E.; O'Dowd, Diane K.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience letters. Volume 743(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-19
• Subjects: Active learning -- Teaching -- Education research -- Discipline based education research -- Biology education research -- Flipped class -- Underrepresented minority -- Diversity -- Inclusive teaching; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Neuroanatomie -- Périodiques; Neuropharmacologie -- Périodiques; Neurophysiologie -- Périodiques; Neurology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.48
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3940

Abstract

Highlights: Biology and other STEM courses with clear structure and regular active learning are associated with improved student performance, particularly for marginalized students. Small or incremental changes in teaching can increase student interaction with each other and with the instructor. Moving content to outside of lecture using reading guides or simple videos can make room for active learning during class time. Abstract: Multiple research studies have shown active learning can increase student performance, reduce fail rates, and increase the success of marginalized students in STEM. In this mini-review we discuss a simple framework for planning and implementing active learning in the classroom. We provide seven strategies to support faculty members who want to implement this framework, with five suggested teaching activities and two mechanisms of creating space in the lecture to use the activities. Each strategy is given with a foundational research paper describing the evidence that it improves learning, engagement and inclusion in the classroom. We include our own experiences using these strategies in large biology lectures that had segments devoted to neuroscience topics, but they are effective in smaller classes as well.