Engage in Active Learning
What is Active Learning?
Active learning is a term used to describe instructional strategies that promote students’ active participation in knowledge construction processes. Such strategies may include hands-on activities, brief writing and discussion assignments, problem solving tasks, information gathering and synthesis, question generation, and reflection-based activities, among others. Together, these approaches seek to engage learners’ higher order thinking skills through the production and articulation of knowledge, as opposed to through the passive transmission of facts and ideas. Access the Guide to Active Learning.
The following is a list of additional hands-on and interactive teaching resources for Boston University faculty.
Blended Learning
Blended learning is the strategic combination of face-to-face and online learning experiences and when properly implemented, the popular teaching method can result in improved student success, satisfaction, and retention. Learn more about the benefits of blended courses, get tips to enhance in-class learning, and access Blended Learning Tools.
Case-Based Learning
Case studies are stories that are used as a teaching tool to show the application of a theory or concept to real situations. Connect with the Center for Teaching & Learning and explore ways to create a case study.
Team-Teaching
Team-teaching (also often called “collaborative teaching”) is an opportunity to expose students to more perspectives and content knowledge than a single instructor may be able to provide. Collaborative teaching can take a variety of forms, ranging from inviting a colleague to give a one-time guest lecture, to dividing responsibilities according to content areas, to working together on every aspect of the course. Start planning an effective team-teaching session.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning (PBL) involves students designing, developing, and constructing hands-on solutions to a problem. The educational value of PBL is that it aims to build students’ creative capacity to work through difficult or ill-structured problems, commonly in small teams. Learn more.
Discussion-Based Teaching & Learning
Discussions challenge students to develop critical thinking skills: to weigh evidence, test propositions, and reach their own conclusions. While being knowledgeable about the topic under discussion is important for leading meaningful discussions, creating an environment in which students feel comfortable engaging with ideas is even more so. Read more about this teaching approach.
Find more teaching guides offered by the Center for Teaching & Learning.
Connect with a Learning Community
Digital Learning & Innovation is committed to building learning communities and creating gathering places for Boston University leadership, faculty, and staff technology users to share ideas, meet and connect with colleagues, and discuss platforms designed to improve students’ learning experiences. All of our communities of practice meet via Zoom or in-person and are supported by Digital Learning & Innovation, Educational Technology, and Center for Teaching & Learning staff. Connect with a Learning Community.
Teaching Support & Guidance
Email the Center for Teaching & Learning and schedule an appointment today ctl@bu.edu.
Technology Support
The Educational Technology team provides training in this area. To schedule a consultation, email askedtech@bu.edu.