If you’ve ever been in a classroom or online class where the teacher lectures endlessly while students seem to drift off to sleep, then you know firsthand how inactivity can affect a learner’s retention of information. It can get boring, right? Enter active learning. Active learning is a teaching method that allows students to participate in their own learning by engaging them in discussions, problem-solving, and other interactive activities. Research has shown that active learning can help students retain information more effectively. Here are some reasons why:

1. Active Learning Encourages Critical Thinking 💭💡🤔

Incorporating active learning into classroom discussions can help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Unlike passive learning, which is watching someone else do something, active learning requires that students engage with the topic at hand, ask questions, and challenge the material presented. This sparks discussions and encourages students to think deeply about the topic, which can lead to a better understanding and retention of the information.

illustration of a student thinking about a question while their classmates discuss

2. Active Learning Makes Learning Fun and Engaging 😄🤩🥳

Active learning activities can be interactive and enjoyable, leading to increased engagement with the material. When students enjoy what they are learning, they are more likely to retain the information. Educational games, group discussions, and other hands-on activities can turn what would have been a boring lecture into a memorable and enriching experience.

a group of students smiling and laughing while participating in a group activity

3. Active Learning Facilitates Long-Term Retention 📚🧐🧠

One of the most important benefits of active learning is its potential to facilitate long-term retention of information. Instead of just passive memorization, active learning allows students to process and connect concepts to their prior knowledge. This process of active synthesis strengthens neural pathways specifically important to learning and remembering, making the long-term impact of the knowledge much stronger.

a student reviewing and solidifying their learning by re-processing and synthesizing concepts presented during class

4. Active Learning Nurtures Collaboration and Communication 🤝💬📣

When students participate in collaborative group activities, they learn valuable communication and teamwork skills. Group projects are perfect for active learning, and they not only facilitate retention of information but also foster positive interpersonal relationships, which has additional positive aspects that last beyond classroom contexts. For students who struggle with socializing and communication, active learning environments can provide a safe, structured environment to practice those skills.

a group of students with different backgrounds and personalities communicating with one another while working on a project

In conclusion, active learning is a teaching methodology that has significant advantages. It encourages critical thinking, makes learning enjoyable and engaging, facilitates long-term retention of information, and nurtures collaboration and communication skills. Incorporating active learning into teaching can help students retain information more effectively and improve their academic performance in the long run.

a student who looks happy and confident by the end of a lesson on active learning