Active Learning Activities

Active learning activities are tailored to specific learning outcomes and content. They incorporate one or more of the evidence-based strategies. Structured to expose their theoretical underpinnings, the activities can be used by practitioners and researchers alike.

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43 Activities

Humanities Social sciences

Group Work Project Contracting

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

Mathematics STEM

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.

Photo by Conny Schneider from Unsplash
Humanities Social sciences

Put Your Theory on Trial

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

Water rat - Photo by Matt Seymour, Unsplash.
Biology STEM

Evolution of Sexual Reproduction: Construct a Species

Students construct a fictional animal species by selecting traits related to sexual reproduction.

Young university students studying with computer in cafe. Group of people in campus library. College teenager using laptop at table. Group study for school assignment.
Psychology

Sensation and Perception Lab

The lab explores the senses of taste, smell, touch, proprioception and vision.

Health science

The Heart of the Matter: Exploring Exercise in Cardiac Disease

Before class, students read an article and gather 5 elements. In class, they "pool" findings and sort into categories.

Health science STEM

Data Mining and Sorting: Scaffolding the Exploration of Scientific Articles

The purpose of this activity is to deepen students' understanding of cardiac pathophysiology

Health science Biology

Family Matters : Inclusive Genetics Pedigree

In teams, students will build a pedigree chart and determine inheritance patterns using inclusive pedigree practices.

Interdisciplinary Languages and Literature

It’s All in the Delivery: 6 Rounds to Effective Presentation

Groups of students orally present a poem six times, focusing on six key aspect of effective oral presentations

Health science

Rough Draft Workshop: Group Peer Assessment Jigsaw Activity for Case Study or Procedural Writing

Students bring a rough draft of a written group project for peer evaluation and feedback

Physics STEM

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Physics STEM

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Physics STEM

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Mathematics STEM

An Abundance of Bells

Humanities

Categorizing for Review

Humanities Interdisciplinary

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Physics STEM

Two Stage Quiz

Biology Chemistry Engineering STEM

Building Effective Teams

Chemistry STEM

If You’re Not Part of the Solution You’re Part of the Precipitate

Photo by Samuel Austin on Unsplash
Biology STEM

Photosynthesis: Light Dependent Reactions

Biology STEM

From “Yum” to “Yuk”: A Case in Point… Mutation

Social sciences

Action-Learning Sets

Mathematics STEM

Two Stage Calculus Quiz

Social sciences

Who am I: (Mis)conceptions of Self