Walking the Talk: Active Learning for Student Success

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Walking the Talk Active Learning for
Student Success

• Texas Library Association
• San Antonio

April 12, 2007 AJ Johnson University of Texas
Austin aj_at_austin.utexas.edu
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Outcomes

• Learn what active learning is and why it is
  useful
• Recognize different active learning techniques
• Learn how to plan for active learning
• Create active learning exercises based on student
  outcomes
• Apply techniques you learn today to your next
  class!

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Active Learning is

• . . .the creation of opportunities for
  learners to engage content from multiple
  perspectives, including their own, through
  experience, practice and application.
• Randy Hensley, 2003

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Why use active learning? For Students

• Engages them
• Teaches to Learning Styles
• Utilizes Higher Order Thinking Skills
• They get to research during class

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Why use active learning? For Us

• Less blah blah blah
• Answer their real questions
• Give personal assistance
• Assessment!

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Challenges

• So much to say, so little time
• Less control of the outcomes
• But thats not how I learned!
• Outsider syndrome

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Planning Active Learning

• Outcomes!!!
• Select an activity and plan
• Timing
• Instructions
• Assessment
• Practice

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Creating the Atmosphere

• Arrangement of room
• Chat with students before class
• Non-threatening active learning techniques
• Ask questions, give time to respond
• Allow for their questions

Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Types of Active Learning ActivitiesIndividual
Worksheets
Reflection
Journaling
hands on searching
Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Types of Active Learning ActivitiesGroup
QA
peer teaching
Brainstorming
Group Discussion
Hands On Activities
Polls
Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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UT Austin Resources

• Tips and Techniques for Library Instruction
• Clearinghouse of Instruction Materials

http//www.lib.utexas.edu/services/instruction/tea
chindex.html
Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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What did we just do?!?
Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success
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Questions?
Walking the Talk Active Learning for Student
Success