Active Learning, Dr. Chitra Rangan, University of Windsor

Dr. Chitra Rangan

  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Physics
  • Teaching Leadership Chair 2014-2017
  • University of Windsor
  • Teaching since 2002

I try to include as much active learning as possible in my classroom because studies have shown that students retain the material better and longer. For active learning, there were two things that inspired me. One was a workshop by professor Don Woods, a famous educator from engineering. He worked a lot on problem based learning. He did a demonstration class where he used active learning methods and I just found very small techniques went a long way in keeping me engaged, so I tried to use that.

Last year, there was a study published in the National Academy of Sciences which showed conclusively that active learning improves retention as well as reduces the D-grades, failures and withdrawal rates in students all over North America. For active learning, I do a variety of learning techniques. Always start at low risk. Start with things like think-pair-share, a minute summary, solve a problem in groups or come to the board and work out a small step. On a bigger scale, once you are more comfortable with implementing these techniques, you can go for things like scaffolding or big projects where students have a lot of independence.

I think this technique is not where you just do something and you see a huge effect right away. It’s progressive and it’s cumulative so you start out slow.

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