5 Ways to Use Active Learning Techniques to Improve Retention

5 Ways to Use Active Learning Techniques to Improve Retention

As educators, we've all been there - pouring our hearts and souls into lesson planning, only to have students forget the material within days of the class. It's frustrating, but it doesn't have to be that way. Active learning techniques have been shown to be highly effective in improving student retention, and it's not just about keeping students awake and engaged. Active learning actually changes the way students process and retain information, leading to better understanding and recall.

In this post, we'll explore five active learning techniques that you can use to improve retention in your classroom. From simple games to more complex strategies, we'll cover a range of ideas that you can tailor to suit your teaching style and subject matter.

1. Think-Pair-Share

Think-pair-share is a simple yet effective technique that gets students actively thinking and engaging with the material. Here's how it works:

• Present a question or problem related to the lesson
• Ask students to think about the answer on their own for a minute or two
• Pair students up to discuss their answers with each other
• Have each pair share their answer with the class

This technique encourages students to take ownership of their learning, think critically, and communicate effectively. By sharing their ideas with a partner, students are more likely to remember and retain the information.

2. Concept Maps

Concept maps are a visual representation of the relationships between ideas and concepts. By creating a concept map, students can see the bigger picture and make connections between different pieces of information. Here's how to use concept maps in your classroom:

• Provide students with a blank map or have them create one on their own
• Guide students through the process of creating the map, asking questions like "What's the main idea of this concept?" or "How does this idea relate to the one before it?"
• Have students share their maps with the class and discuss any similarities or differences

Concept maps are an excellent way to help students organize and retain information, and can be used to review and assess student understanding.

3. Case Studies

Case studies are a great way to get students actively engaged with real-world scenarios and thinking critically about complex issues. Here's how to use case studies in your classroom:

• Provide students with a real-world scenario or case study related to the lesson
• Ask students to work in groups to analyze the case study and come up with solutions or recommendations
• Have each group present their findings to the class

Case studies encourage students to think analytically, make connections between theory and practice, and develop problem-solving skills. By working in groups, students can share their ideas and learn from each other.

4. Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning is a fun and engaging way to get students actively involved in the learning process. Here are a few ways to incorporate games into your classroom:

• Use educational games like Kahoot or Quizlet to review material and make it more engaging
• Create your own games using real-world scenarios or case studies
• Use games to teach complex concepts, like science or math, in a more accessible way

Game-based learning taps into students' natural competitive spirit and encourages them to take risks and try new things. When learning is fun, students are more likely to remember and retain the information.

5. Flipped Classrooms

Flipped classrooms are a great way to get students actively engaged with the material before class, freeing up time for more in-depth discussion and activities during class. Here's how to flip your classroom:

• Create video lessons or online materials that cover the basics of the lesson
• Have students watch the videos or complete the online materials before class
• Use class time for more in-depth discussion, activities, and Q&A

Flipped classrooms allow students to take ownership of their learning, work at their own pace, and engage with the material in a more meaningful way. By flipping your classroom, you can create a more student-centered and interactive learning environment.

In conclusion, active learning techniques are a powerful way to improve student retention and engagement. By incorporating techniques like think-pair-share, concept maps, case studies, game-based learning, and flipped classrooms into your teaching practice, you can create a more interactive and memorable learning experience for your students. Remember, the key to effective active learning is to engage students in a way that's relevant, meaningful, and fun. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create a classroom environment that's both engaging and effective.If you're looking for a powerful, student-friendly note-taking app, look no further than Oneboard. Designed to enhance your learning experience, Oneboard offers seamless handwriting and typing capabilities, intuitive organization features, and advanced tools to boost productivity. Whether you're annotating PDFs, organizing class notes, or brainstorming ideas, Oneboard simplifies it all with its user-focused design. Experience the best of digital note-taking and make your study sessions more effective with Oneboard. Download Oneboard on the App Store.