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.

Active Learning Activities

33 Results

STEM Mathematics

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
Social sciences Humanities

Put Your Thesis on Trial

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

STEM Health science

Safety First! Rank and Sort Case for Clinical Reasoning Skills

Case-based ranking & sorting activities based on pre-class quiz on exercise safety in a client with a cardiac condition.

Interdisciplinary Humanities

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Students gain experience with a model of writing which employs Peer Assessment as the Active Learning strategy.

STEM Chemistry

Acid Base Equilibrium

Students learn how to problem solve and review their peers in a low stakes situation (no grades).

STEM Engineering

Interrupted Case Study in Material Engineering

This activity uses real life case study examples to give students a more in-depth look at analytics.

Environmental science

Sustainability Development Plan (Part 1 and Part 2)

In this activity, students learn to define sustainability and apply this to a single Montreal neighbourhood. 

STEM Biology

Fireweed and Seals, oh my! Mini Cases in Population Ecology

STEM Biology

The Sailing Iguanas: A Mini Case in Speciation

Social sciences

Teacher for a Day: Defining a Definition

Social sciences

Museum Tour

In this version of a gallery walk, students create mind maps, showcase them in the class, and peer-review each other's work.

STEM Chemistry

Stereochemistry Activity

Environmental science

Jigsaw Geography Presentation

Social sciences

Who am I: (Mis)conceptions of Self

Social sciences

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Social sciences

Defining a Definition

In this single-class activity, students practice problem-solving related to definitions.

STEM Chemistry

Do You Know Your Stereochemistry?

Students collaborate and learn from each other on how to interpret molecules in 3D based on molecular drawings.

Social sciences

Presentation skills: Conveying emotion

STEM Biology

Homeostasis: Mapping the Endocrine System

STEM Engineering

Peer Review Calibration and Constructive Feedback Workshop

This activity's goal is to familiarize students with the peer review process and teach them how to accept peer criticism.

Applied arts

Concept Map: Furniture Design Time Ripple

STEM Biology

Protein Separation

STEM Engineering

Problem Set Using Lightboard Video Recordings

STEM Physics

Circus Launch Clicker Questions