Active Learning Activities

Put Your Theory on Trial

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

Running on Water: Activating Prior Knowledge of Static Equilibrium

Students watch, discuss, then analyze the veracity of a video in which hydrophobic shoes allow people to run on water.

Silent Discussion

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

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.

Who Are You? A Multidimensional Examination of Self-Concept

Students investigate their self-concept, compare it to a classmate, assess differences between self- and social perception.

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Can I Use the Internet?

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

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Projet Specific: Webzine

In-Class Think Pieces: Course Pack

Three-Tiered Writing

Let’s Role Play the French Revolution!

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)

Rhetorical Strategies

Putting the “You” in education: Using self-reflections for learning

Understanding Terminology Using Jigsaw

Having Students Read and Apply Essay Feedback

Forget the Math! Draw pictures to learn the wave theory of light

Jigsaw Geography Presentation

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise