Article On Active Learning Methods

Here's another great article on teaching and learning.  The author, E.J. Wood, discusses the basics of problem-based learning which is student-directed and uses skills such as team-work and peer teaching.  He argues that while this method has been widely used in medical schools, it can be applied to most subjects.  It takes into account the learning pyramid

Download learning_pyramid.gif

which states that allowing students to practice skills/materials being learned leads to a retention rate of 75 percent and requiring them to teach others raises this rate to 90 percent.  This compares to a 5 percent retention rate for just passively listening to a lecture.

Comments

[Michael Wagner]

Martin Luther is reported to have said something to the effect that if you want to learn something find 20 people to teach it to.

Thought of that when I read, "requiring them to teach others raises this rate to 90 percent."

Good post!

[Delaney Kirk]

Thanks Mike. This is one of the reasons I have my students do presentations. The process of trying to explain a concept to their classmates really reinforces their own learning.