Active Learning

Active learning shifts students from passive listeners to engaged participants who analyze, apply, and discuss scientific ideas. Research consistently shows that active learning improves understanding and reduces equity gaps in STEM courses. This guide highlights practical, low-prep strategies you can use in any immersion class to increase students' engagement and deepen learning.

Designing Active Learning Experiences

Active learning works best when activities are intentional, structured, and tied to clear learning goals.

Start Small With Structured, Purposeful Activities

Use short activities that reinforce core concepts. These low-prep strategies can be used in any biology, chemistry, or life science course:

• Think-Pair-Share: Students think individually, discuss with a partner, then share out.
• Polling Questions: Use conceptual questions (with or without tech) to check understanding.
• Quick-Writes: Have students explain a process, summarize a mechanism, or predict outcomes.
• Concept Mapping: Groups organize key terms to visualize connections
• Data Blitz: Students interpret a graph or figure for 1-2 minutes, then discuss

Align Activities With learning Objectives

Ensure each activity targets a specific skill or idea. Before implementing an activity, ask:

• What do I want students to think about or practice?
• How will I know if the activity worked?
• How will this prepare them for assessments or labs?
  • Example: Use case studies to practice experimental reasoning
  • Example: Use figure analysis to prepare students for scientific literature
  • Example: Use model-building to reinforce mechanisms in cell biology or physiology

Facilitating Active Learning in Real Time

Instructor facilitation is key to ensuring depth, accuracy, and inclusive participation.

Circulate and Guide

Engage with groups to prompt deeper thinking. As you circulate:

• Ask probing questions (‘What evidence supports your answer?”)
• Listen for misconceptions to address later with the whole class
• Encourage students to explain reasoning, not just answers
• Document patterns to inform future instruction

Use Whole Class Debriefs to Solidify Learning

After the activity, bring the class back together to summarize key points. Highlight common reasoning strategies, correct misconceptions gently, and connect the activity back to broader course themes. This helps students see the value of their participation and reinforces correct conceptual frameworks.

Managing Participation and Classroom Dynamics

Active learning works best when all students feel welcomed and accountable.

Provide Clear Instructions to Reduce Confusion

Students engage more when they know exactly what to do. Use concise verbal and written instructions.

• Clarify the task, time limit, and desired output
• Provide examples or scaffolds if the task is new
• Display steps on the board/projector
• Check for understanding before starting

Encourage Inclusive Engagement

Use structured roles (e.g., facilitator, recorder, evidence-seeker), rotate groups periodically, and normalize that uncertainty is part of scientific thinking. Invite quieter students to share by using low-stakes entry points, such as writing, paired discussions, or small-group formats.

Additional Resources

• Cornell University Center for Teaching Innovation: Active Learning
• Cornell University Center for Teaching Innovation: Getting started with active learning techniques
• MIT Teaching + Learning Lab: How active learning can improve inequities in STEM