Implementing Active Learning in STEM Teaching

KEY POINTS

• Encourage active note-taking using sketchnotes.
• Poll students to keep them engaged.
• Incorporate interactive activities into the classroom.

Ensuring that students remain focused and engaged during lessons can be a challenge in any STEM classroom. Active learning is one approach that is designed to address this problem. Active learning is a method of learning in which students are actively or experientially involved in the learning process, maximizing their level of participation and allowing them to get the most out of lessons and activities.

CREATIVE NOTE-TAKING

The process of note-taking is meant to help students absorb, retain, and review information presented to them in class. Sometimes the process of taking notes can turn into a chore for students, as they simply go through the motions without reaping its benefits. Using sketchnotes in your classroom is one way to avoid this. Sketchnoting is a method of note-taking that combines handwriting and drawing to make the process of taking notes more creative, engaging, and fun. Encourage students to write down what they hear, then convert this content into quick sketches when appropriate. This allows students to simplify material and focus on the most important information they are presented with in a lesson.

To make this process even more fun and engaging, make it collaborative. Students can take sketchnotes within a group on a large piece of butcher paper, poster board, or whiteboard. With multiple minds working together, students will be more likely to discuss the concepts presented to them and therefore be more likely to retain that information.

USE POLLS TO GET STUDENT INPUT

Another way to increase engagement during lessons and build an active learning environment is to incorporate polls into lessons. Polls can be used to quiz students on lesson content or used as a way for students to provide feedback regarding how the lesson is going or how well they are understanding the material. These short intermissions will also help to break up large quantities of information and keep students focused. Polls can either be conducted manually with a simple show of hands or digitally using electronic devices like laptops, tablets, or iClickers. There are a variety of polling applications available online, like Pingo, that students can use to submit their responses on their electronic devices.

INCORPORATE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

Interactive activities can play an integral role in keeping lessons interesting, engaging, and fun. Try developing demonstrations of certain concepts to collectively perform as a class. This can be done with robotics, chemicals, or any STEM-related concept that involves “doing” or “making.” Group-oriented, hands-on activities give students the opportunity to get out of their seats for a few minutes, providing them with a break from simply listening to new information. While there are a variety of methods to keep students engaged, it is important to focus your lessons around the needs of your students and to give them opportunities to interact with the concepts they are being exposed to in the classroom.

— Dr. Jake Roark