Teaching Strategies

Additional Resources for ALC

In addition to the resources about Active Learning Classrooms listed below, you can also always meet with a Center for Teaching Excellence staff member to brainstorm strategies for making the most of an ALC.

Web Resources

Redesigning Courses for ALC

This website provides the key information on redesigning your course as per the features of an ALC using the ‘Backward Design’ approach. Scrolling down to the bottom of the page will allow you to access more texts on the topic.

Active Learning Strategies

This page offers a detailed list of Active Learning strategies to choose from.

Introduction to Active Learning

This page provides a detailed overview of research and resources on teaching and learning in ALCs.

Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs)

This page provides several videos showing how different features of an ALC can be used to foster active learning and thinking in students.

Personal Response Systems

This page gives a thorough introduction to Personal Response Systems and offers various activities that the instructors can use while facilitating in-class discussion.

Technology-Enhanced Active Learning

This website gives a comprehensive overview of why and how technology-rich classroom spaces positively enhance students’ learning experiences.

Research Articles

It’s Not You, It’s the Room

Cotner, S., Loper, J., Walker, J. D., & Brooks, D. C. (2013). “It’s not you, it’s the room” — Are the high-tech, active learning classrooms worth it? Journal of College Science Teaching, 42(6), 82-88.

Transformation of Classroom Spaces

Park, E. L., & Choi, B. K. (2014). Transformation of classroom spaces: Traditional versus active learning classroom in colleges. Higher Education: The International Journal of Higher Education and Educational Planning, 68(5), 749-771. doi:10.1007/s10734-014-9742-0

Space Matters

Brooks, D. C. (2011). Space matters: The impact of formal learning environments on student learning.British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(5), 719-726. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2010.01098.x

Books

New Directions for Teaching and Learning: Active Learning Spaces

New Directions for Teaching and Learning (Online). (Winter 2014).

A Guide to Teaching in the Active Learning Classroom

Baepler, P. M. (2016). A guide to teaching in the active learning classroom: history, research, and practice. Stylus Publishing.