Active Learning Activities

Finding Catharsis in Film and Media

Students analyze a film or piece of media watched in the course using two concepts: climax and catharsis.

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.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

A first class ice-breaker activity introducing the nature of science.

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Preparation for Future Learning: Electric Flux

An Abundance of Bells

Two Stage Quiz

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Dictation: Read and Run

Bringing Context to Life: Annotating Research for Reading Novels

Two Stage Calculus Quiz

Forget the Math! Draw Pictures to Learn the Wave Theory of Light

Poetic Literary Jeopardy

Engineering Physics IF-AT

Dark Lords IF-AT

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Lenz’s Law