Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

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

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.

Sensation and Perception Lab

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

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?

An Abundance of Bells

Peerwise Assignment: Human Body

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Gender Socialization throughout the Life Course

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

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

Bringing Context to Life: Annotating Research for Reading Novels

Rhetorical Strategies

Understanding Terminology Using Jigsaw

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Teacher for a Day: Defining a Definition

Museum Tour

Presentation skills: Conveying emotion