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active learning

Ac·tive / learn·​ing 

/ˈak-tiv/  / ˈlər-niŋ/

Noun

a system of learning that requires students to be actively engaged in constructing their own knowledge and learning through discussions, problem-solving, case studies, and other methods.

Create an Effective Flipped Classroom 

Infographic showing a typical sequence of learning opportunities before, during, and after a flipped class. Details in text

Credit: Flipped Classroom, University of Texas at Austin Center for Teaching and Learning. Accessed Feb. 16, 2026.

Flipping the classroom is an instructional model that calls for traditional lecture content to be delivered asynchronously outside of class, often through interactive online content, videos, and readings (Bergmann, J., & Sams, A., 2012). This allows the synchronous, in-class time to be dedicated to active learning activities such as discussions, problem-solving exercises, labs, or group work. (Lage, M. J., Platt, G. J., & Treglia, M., (2000).

Activity in a Flipped Programming Class

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two students sitting in front of a computer with code on the monitors
Photo Credit

Credit: Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash, Accessed Feb. 16, 2026.

A flipped classroom requires that students engage with course materials before class and then use class time for active learning activities and opportunities for deeper engagement with the content and each other. Begin by introducing students to the flipped classroom model, providing clear expectations, and discussing the roles both they and you will play.  

Teaching a Lab Class in a Flipped Classroom

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three students with lab googles on dissecting a frog
Photo Credit

Credit: Pxhere is licensed under CCO, Accessed Feb. 16, 2026

A flipped classroom requires students to engage with course materials before class and then use class time for active learning activities and opportunities for deeper engagement with the content and each other. Begin by introducing students to the flipped classroom model, providing clear expectations, and discussing the roles both they and you will play.

Using Chunking to Develop Content for an Online Course

Text = how to chunk content

Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The concept of chunking is the act of breaking course content into small, meaningful units of information that can be digested and navigated easily. The information in each chunk should be related, logical, meaningful, and organized sequentially (Shank, 2018). Research tells us that there are several reasons to chunk content when writing instructional text, including:

Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction

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Gagne's 9 events. Described in text
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Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction is a comprehensive instructional design model developed by Robert Gagné in the 1960s. It outlines a set of events, or steps, that instructors can follow to create effective learning experiences for students. The model is based on the idea that different types of learning objectives require different types of instruction. Remember, the key is to tailor the method of each event to the specific context and audience.

Using Frameworks to Develop Content for a Course 

many lines coming together into 3 main categories

Credit: © NicoElNino / Adobe Stock

Creating high-quality, pedagogically sound content is challenging whether a course is taught in-person, online, or using a hybrid method. In course development, a framework refers to a structured and organized approach used to design, plan, and develop course content. Frameworks also provide learning designers and faculty with a blueprint for creating a coherent and effective learning experience for students (Reigeluth, C. M., & Carr-Chellman, A. A., 2009).

Using the One-Minute Paper to Assess Student Learning

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stop watch with 1 Min Paper written on the side
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Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

The one-minute paper is an assessment strategy that can be used to evaluate what students have learned and what they are struggling with. Students are asked two to three questions about a lecture, video, lab, field trip, discussion, or any other activity, and are given one minute to write their response. The questions should encourage students to consider what was most significant, surprising, important, disturbing, or useful, and what was unclear or difficult to understand.

Using Reciprocal Questioning in Small Groups to Increase Student Engagement

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Reciprocal Questioning????
Photo Credit

Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

Reciprocal Questioning is a strategy that promotes critical thinking while increasing student engagement with one another and with the course material. Students work in small groups to discuss course material, or a portion of the course material, like a video. They discuss where they need further clarification or more information. Then a group representative shares the questions with the instructor and the instructor's Docsanswers benefit the entire class.

Using Small Group Case Studies to Boost Student Engagement

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Example of a Final Project in an LMS. See text below for details
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Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The final project in GEOSC 107N: Rocks, Minerals, and the History of Art is a small group case study that requires students to work together to research a naturally occurring material, used in either its natural or processed form, to create works of art or architecture in history. Case studies promote critical thinking and help students to contextualize course content.

Utilizing 360 Video for Practice and Assessment

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barn with arrows indicating it is a 360 degree video
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Credit: © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Veterinary and biomedical students are asked to watch a video of walking through a barn and to list the best practices for animal welfare and farm management shown in the video. They are also asked to list items that need to be improved. This offers a way to expand student experiences and allows them to practice evaluating without the time and expense of traveling. Further, this practice protects the biosecurity of the farm locations.