Active Learning | The Teaching & Learning Centre | Seneca Polytechnic

Active learning is a teaching method that gets students involved in their learning. Instead of just listening to lectures, students participate in activities like solving problems, discussing ideas, working in teams, or applying what they’ve learned to real-world situations.

Active learning helps students understand and remember material better by doing rather than just watching or listening. It also develops skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking — skills they’ll use in their careers. For faculty and instructors, it’s a way to see how well students are grasping the material and to create a more engaging, interactive classroom experience.

Here are some active learning resources and activities:

Active Learning from Durham College – a collection of 11 learning techniques that promote active learning (including short how-to videos)

226 Active Learning Techniques from Iowa State University’s Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Active Learning resources from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Educational Innovation

4 Techniques to Encourage Active Learning Online by the K Patricia Cross Academy provides a number of suggestions to encourage active learning in an online environment.

The Cross Academy Techniques Video Library offers a number of teaching techniques for you to explore.