Active learning

I N D E X

Page

INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ii
CHAPTER 1 “Motivations” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
CHAPTER 2 “Teacher as a facilitator” ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2
CHAPTER 3 “What activities can we use andmake our class active learning?” ----------- 3
CONCLUSION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
BIBLIOGRAPHIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

I N T R O D U C T I O N

“We don´t have to start by the first notion of the things that are being studied, we have to startby the things that can make learning easier”. 
Aristoteles

Our society in these times needs the Young people to be flexible, creative but the most important things is to be proactive, people who can solve issues making decisions, by thinking critically and by communicating ideas. If we develop our student’s skills and capabilities currently actively, the students will learn in a more relevant,enjoyable but most important motivational way. And with this teaching will be a lot easier.

On the following essay, I’ll be talking about the importance of active learning, and some activities that might help teachers on their class and will make the class environment lighter and more fun.

C H A P T E R 1
“MOTIVATIONS”

For us to know how to improve our teaching techniques, first wehave to know the things that motivate us and the things that motivates our students.
To know what motivates us, we have to ask ourselves these questions:

1. Where are you now in terms of your learning and teaching practice?
2. What is your motivation behind integrating active learning into your existing classroom practice?
3. How can you build on your existing practice?4. What do you hope to achieve?

These questions help us think about what we really want the result to be if we use active learning and improve the motivation of our students:
1. Is the activity age-appropriate?
2. Are pupils completely aware of the aims and objectives?
3. Are there opportunities for pupils themselves to facilitate the activity?
4. Will everybodyhave an equal chance to participate in the activity?
5. Is there enough variety?

By using active learning methodologies it is hoped that pupils will not only come to a deeper understanding of the issues involved, but also that their motivation and enthusiasm will be heightened.


c h a p t e r 2
“TEACHER AS A FACILITATOR”

In an active classroom environment the role of ateacher is often that of a facilitator, supporting students as they learn and develop skills in, for example, assessing evidence, negotiation, making informed decisions, solving problems, working independently and working with others (team work). Student’s participation and involvement in their learning is essential.
Sometimes it is appropriate for the facilitator to take on a particularrole/function in an attempt to enhance the learning within the class or to challenge their thinking in a new way. Some of these possible roles include:
*Neutral facilitator: The facilitator enables the group to explore a range of different viewpoints without stating their own opinion.
*Devil’s advocate: The facilitator deliberately adopts an opposite stance to confront people, irrespective of their ownviews. This method is slightly ‘tongue-in-cheek’.
*Declared interests: The facilitator declares their own position so that the group knows their views.
*Ally: The facilitator supports the views of a particular sub-group or individual (usually a minority) within a group.
*Official view: The facilitator informs the group of the official position on certain issues e.g. official organizations, the law...