What is Active Learning Space
Times are changing. Academic environments are going away with the traditional way a classroom has been setup and taught. No more putting desk in a straight roll. No more lecture style teaching and children sitting quietly and listening. There is a new approach to learning and that new approach is called Active learning. Active learning is an approach to instruction that involves actively engaging students in the learning process. Active learning approaches allow the student to become more in charge of their own learning. Instructor guidance is still needed in the active learning classroom.
Active learning spaces are teaching and learning environments designed with a more student-centered teaching approach in mind. According to Gjestvang (Ohio State University) and Jennifer Sparrow (Pennsylvania State University) ,when you are creating active learning spaces you want to keep three factors in mind. Those three factors are :
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Students must think creatively and divergently.
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Students must possess digital literacy.
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Students must have the social skills to function well in teams in different cultural settings
Benefits of a Active Learning Space
Why is active learning so important? How will students benefit from an active learning environment? Our number one priority is to make sure all learners are college and career ready. Creating a active learning space in your classroom will give students the skills needed to be successful. As technology and innovation become the first priority for school districts, it’s important that students are offered creative learning spaces to expand and challenge their knowledge and ability to create. Technology can help students boost their concentration, retain information and encourage individualized learning programs. Students can also begin to advance their collaboration skills. Learning spaces are more than just incorporating technology. There are other benefits for creating learning spaces.
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Encourages risk taking
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Requires student preparation
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Fosters real problem solving
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Creates personal connections to the material for students, which increases their motivation to learn.
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Builds self-esteem through conversations with other students.
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Reinforces important material, concepts, and skills.
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Provides more frequent and immediate feedback to students.
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Creates a sense of community in the classroom through increased student-student and instructor-student interaction.(Whenham, 2018)
