ED111 - Active Learning Methods

This course provides an introduction to the concept and philosophy of active learning, and describes a variety of methods to help instructors "activ-ate" their class. The course includes active learning examples that utilize both critical and analytical thinking skills. We also identify the risks that may discourage instructors from using active learning strategies and offer suggestions for managing them. A three-step method is suggested for developing an active lesson, and a comprehensive model is offered as a guide for creative active learning strategies.

Course Reviews


Course Rating
"I enjoyed this course since it reiterated much of what I learned about learning in my psychology courses. I found it quick, easy to digest, and even at times fun."
"Great course topic and very useful to gain success in the classroom!"
"Enjoyed the course and came away with some new ideas of how to implement active learning in my classroom."
"This was a well organized and informative course! "
"Excellent course! Recommending it to my instructors."
"This course strengthened my abillities as a teacher and I will use active learning strategies in the future."
"I could really relate to the topic, and how to address personal insecurities regarding teaching. Thank you!"
"I really enjoyed ED111 as a reminder of the importance of allowing students to help facilitate their own learning. I think far too often we get cornered into subjectively believing that lectures and pedagogical methods are the preferred method of teaching. Adult learners are very different and flourish when active learning techniques are employed. ED111 reaffirmed my belief that enabling students to help each other and self-direct themselves to positive outcomes is an effective, and often necessary, method to successful learning."
"This course had the best quiz questions of all the courses I've taken. Typically, I find that the quiz questions are very easy while the test ones more challenging. This course, however, the quiz questions were excellent and had me more prepared for the final exam. But more importantly, the quizzes got me to think more deeply earlier in the course. I really enjoyed this course. I felt that the information was excellent, and I enjoyed the recorded lectures. "
"This was a FANTASTIC course. I already use active learning techniques in my class, but this gave me more insight and more ideas on how to make what I already do even more effective."
"It was a really very useful training topic. It touches the most needed topics that sharpens the skills of the instructor, for better knowledge delivery. I intend to improve even more by applying what I have learned from the course and the tips to make my class more productive."
"I enjoyed the critical thinking puzzles - it was a good way to both demonstrate examples of active learning and convey to learners the impact of such activities. "
"I loved this course. I learned so much about active learning methods and I intend to utilize some of the things I have learned when I simulate scenarios with our students. Thank you very much."
"Having taught for many years, it is interesting to learn some new techniques for adding active learning activities to the classroom."
"This course was very effective in introducing terminology and examples of different active learning strategies. I appreciate the discussion of high vs low-risk activities and impact of active learning success. I will began to incorporate ways to make passive learning such as lectures more active by incorporating guided lectures, skeleton notes, impromptu discussions and calling on general students instead of utilizing hand raising. I also love the idea of having student debates as well."
"This course provided concrete ideas on how an instructor can institute active learning in a classroom setting. Very informative!"
"Engaging content, efficiently presented and offered valuable information and insight."
"Very appropriate for the course topic. This course was incredibly engaging and interesting. One of my favorite thus far. "

Course Structure


Course Format

  • Can Start Anytime
  • Self-paced (within course enrollment timeframe)
  • 4 Hours of Activities

Completion Requirements

  • Study Course Content
  • Pass ALL Required Quizzes

Certificate of Completion

  • 4 Hours of Continuing Education
  • Available for download at the end of the course

Technology Requirements

  • A Web browser with JavaScript and cookies enabled
  • Adobe Flash Player
  • Speakers or headphones

Course Objectives


  • Compare and contrast active learning with the lecture method.

  • Describe several ways to 'active'-ate lectures.

  • Describe four or more active learning strategies.

  • Identify the three steps for developing an active learning lesson.

  • Use a comprehensive model for designing active learning strategies.

  • Understand the risks of active learning and how to manage them.

  • Discover why active learning is preferred by adult students.

Lounge Group


This course provides you with a lifelong peer-to-peer learning opportunity through a specific Performance Group created within the Career College Lounge, a learning community of career college professionals. This allows you to learn and share with your peers at any time you want, even after you complete the course.

Go to the Performance Group for this Course

How to Enroll

  1. Buy Enrollment Keys

  2. Enter an enrollment key in the field above.

  3. Click "Enroll".