(Part 2) Novigado Webinar: Active Learning Scenarios (20 April 2020)

Summary

Barbara Orlofsky, a psychology and Theory of Knowledge teacher from Lublin, Poland, presents the theoretical background of active learning. She explains active learning as a process where students are engaged and involved, contrasting it with traditional passive learning. Key concepts include constructivism, where knowledge is built upon prior experiences, and the importance of metacognitive skills, collaboration, and self-directed learning. Orlofsky emphasizes the role of the teacher as a facilitator rather than a knowledge transmitter, highlighting the need for student-centered approaches and active reflection to foster deeper understanding and long-term learning.

Takeaways

• 👩‍🏫 Barbara Orlofsky is a psychology and theory of knowledge teacher based in Lublin, Poland.
• 📚 Active learning is emphasized as the most effective way to enhance learning outcomes such as analysis, creation, and evaluation.
• 🧠 Active learning involves students engaging actively in the learning process rather than passively receiving information.
• 🎓 Constructivism is a core theory behind active learning, emphasizing the creation of meaning through connections to prior knowledge and experiences.
• 👥 Active learning often takes place in groups, allowing students to socially construct knowledge while reflecting on their own understanding.
• 🤔 Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, developing critical thinking, metacognitive skills, and self-regulation.
• 📊 Teachers in active learning environments shift from knowledge transmitters to facilitators, guiding students through their learning journeys.
• 📝 Assessment plays a crucial role in active learning, with a focus on formative assessments, peer evaluations, and self-reflection to support growth.
• 🚀 Active learning fosters the development of future skills like collaboration, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
• 💡 Examples of active learning methods include discussions, group work, projects, presentations, and utilizing thinking routines from Harvard Project Zero.

Q & A

What is Barbara Orlofsky's main occupation?

Barbara Orlofsky is primarily a psychology and theory of knowledge teacher in a school in Lublin, Poland.

What is the main focus of active learning according to the script?

Active learning focuses on engaging students in the learning process, emphasizing skills development over the transmission of knowledge, and encouraging students to actively participate and reflect on what they are learning.

How does Edgar Dale's Cone of Learning relate to active learning?

Edgar Dale's Cone of Learning illustrates that active learning is the most effective way to achieve higher learning outcomes such as analysis, creation, and evaluation.

What is constructivism in the context of active learning?

Constructivism is a theory that learning occurs when students actively create meaning by connecting new knowledge to their existing concepts, experiences, and emotions, rather than passively absorbing information.

How does the role of the teacher change in active learning?

In active learning, the teacher shifts from being the primary source of knowledge to a facilitator who guides students as they take ownership of their learning process and develop their skills.

What are some key skills developed through active learning?

Active learning helps develop higher-order thinking skills, metacognitive skills, collaboration, communication, creativity, reflection, and resilience.

Why is student agency important in active learning?

Student agency is important because it gives learners autonomy and responsibility for their learning, which fosters resilience, a growth mindset, and self-regulation.

What role does evaluation play in active learning?

Evaluation in active learning involves both formative assessments and self-reflection, helping students understand their progress and ensuring learning is meaningful and effective.

Can active learning occur in individual settings or is it always collaborative?

While active learning often involves collaboration, it can also occur individually through activities like self-directed learning, where students are responsible for their learning goals and reflection.

What are some examples of active learning activities mentioned in the script?

Examples include project-based work, presentations, creating podcasts or videos, peer tutoring, group discussions, and using thinking routines such as those from Harvard's Project Zero.