Active Versus Passive Learning

Most students these days just think they have to go to class, pay attention, write some notes and they will do fine. That may be true for some people but if they were to use a more active learning approach instead of passive, they could do even better. Active learning is a learning approach that gets the student more involved which helps lead to a better understanding and idea of the material being learned (VickyRN, 2009). Passive learning is the common classroom learning approach where you listen to a teacher and read information (VickyRN, 2009). If students were more aware of the benefits of active learning and the difference between active and passive learning, they could achieve higher academic results and may even enjoy it more. Many studies have proven that active learning is a far better learning approach compared to passive learning because it helps students gain a lot more knowledge from what they are learning. There have been a couple techniques we have talked about in class that can help promote active learning including expert learning which also promotes self-regulated learning, as well as working in groups. Therefore, teachers should emphasize more on encouraging their students to use a more active learning approach. Students should be taught what active learning is and the difference between it and passive learning at a younger age so they are aware and can develop a more active learning style as they go further into their education. In most cases, students have never heard about active learning and go through most of their education with a passive learning approach. If they were taught about it at a young age, it would be highly beneficial in helping them achieve the highest academic result possible. For the people that have never heard of active learning and don't know what it is, Active learning is a learning style that gets the students involved both mentally and physically in what they're learning which is a lot better than passive learning

References: O 'Brien Moran, M. (Thursday, September 13 2012). Metacognition and Learning [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from University of Manitoba Jump Portal.