Active learning is "a student-centered approach to the construction of knowledge focused on activities and strategies that foster higher-order thinking" (Doolittle et al., 2023). With active learning, students are actively engaged in creating their own knowledge about material through problem-solving, wading through complex issues, discussions, and writing. There are a number of practices you can use in class or online, with technology or without, that can help put students in the driver's seat, moving them from the passive learning experience into an active one.
This page offers a number of resources developed here at CSUN and from other institutions for instructors interested in incorporating active learning strategies in their courses that can be completed online or through workshops with fellow faculty.
Greetings, Maple Hall Instructors!
We have a special resources page to help you use active learning in your classroom.
Faculty Development Programming
Teaching Toolkit
FacDev’s Teaching Toolkit page on active learning strategies includes tips for success and step-by-step instructions for three strategies you can use in your courses.
Get Up to Speed with Active Learning
This self-paced, asynchronous program provides guidance, resources, and support to faculty who want to incorporate active learning strategies into their teaching.
Active Learning Ambassadors
CSUN’s Active Learning Ambassadors program consists of an interdisciplinary team of faculty, passionate about promoting active learning techniques in the classroom. Check out the webpage to learn more.
Resources Outside CSUN
Many universities are encouraging faculty to incorporate active learning into their courses, and here are a few resources that you might find helpful.