Engaging Students in Active Learning

A commonly held assumption is that students like to take the easiest routes/short-cuts and prefer to be passive learners. Despite the fact that adult learners are busy individuals, research suggests that they do want to be engaged in active learning. They want their lessons to be interesting, practical and applicable.

Here are some of their suggestions for facilitating engaging lessons:

• use meaningful and purposeful learning activities
• ask stimulating questions
• use appropriate and relevant tools/technology to engage students
• incorporate real-life and application-based examples
• interact with students and effectively manage discussions

adapted from “Understanding Adult Learners’ Needs” by Dr. Nachamma Sockalingam, Singapore