Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

For instructors planning student group work projects over many weeks or months.

Two-stage Testing for Second-year Math Students

Students are given four 2-stage tests throughout a semester; 1st stage written individually, 2nd students work in groups.

Put Your Theory on Trial

Scaffolded debate that explores the nuances of a belief that the teacher has introduced.

Silent Discussion

Conduct a discussion in your class without students ever speaking a word!

Reimagining the Reading Quiz: Peer Instruction in English

Students do a reading quiz in class and revise their answers after developing and sharing a rationale for their choice.

Decoding Decimal, Binary & Octal: Number System Adventures

In teams, students explore the binary number system and create parameters for an octal number system.

More Than One Way to Cook an Egg: Exploring Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Teams explore Gardner's Theory, present one component, summarize presentation content, and conduct a self-assessment.

Can I Use the Internet?

Peerwise Assignment: Human Body

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Gender Socialization throughout the Life Course

Students complete a grid that illustrates different life periods that reinforce gender narratives.

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Let’s Role Play the French Revolution!

Family HiStories of Migration

Students interview two members of their family to collect information about their family history and present it in class.

Reflective Reading on Islam

Students use homework questions to prompt a deeper engagement with the reading material to generate better class discussion.

Cercles de Lecture (Reading Circles)

Identity Dot Exercise

Rhetorical Strategies

Understanding Terminology Using Jigsaw

Two Stage Calculus Quiz

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Teacher for a Day: Defining a Definition

Presentation skills: Conveying emotion