Doctoral researchers’ engagement with active learning strategies: an impact of learning from the school setting? Dr Elena Forasacco Teaching Fellow, Graduate School

Session plan 1. Drawing 2. Reflection 3. Discussion 1. Draw your early learning experiences with active learning strategies (5 minutes + 5 minutes) 3. Discussion 2. Reflection 1. Drawing 3. Discussion with recommendations (5 minutes) 2. Presentation of my findings and reflection on your drawings (15 minutes)

Drawing experiences 1. Drawing 2. Reflection 3. Discussion 1. Draw your early learning experiences with active learning strategies (5 minutes + 5 minutes) 3. Discussion 2. Reflection 1. Drawing

Drawing experiences What active learning strategies have you experienced the most from primary school to A-level?

Reflection 1. Drawing 2. Reflection 3. Discussion 2. Presentation of my findings and reflection on your drawings (15 minutes)

Overview on my project Active learning is the most effective teaching approach in specific subjects (e.g. Wieman, 2014) Little is known about its application for professional skills development (e.g. van Acker and Bailey, 2011) However: in my practice not all students appear engaged with this approach to learning. This project aimed to explore students’ perceptions of active learning strategies. Therefore

In my workshops: Active learning strategies enhance the development of professional skills promote the exchange of knowledge among students and with tutors. Enhance intercultural awareness and inclusivity Blend differences to develop and enhance learning and knowledge

Findings: students’ highlights 1. Students’ experiences with active learning are enhanced in heterogeneous learning communities where activities are learning opportunities also to overcome language barriers while working in groups.

Findings: students’ highlights 2. Some students are not ready for active learning due to their previous experiences as learners, independent of cultural background and character. Too much lecture style Too few laboratories and activities, and only for scientific subjects

Discussion 1. Drawing 2. Reflection 3. Discussion 3. Discussion with recommendations (5 minutes)

Readiness for active learning Students not used to active learning do not know how to behave in this context. We need to prepare students for active learning experiences beforehand to: increase engagement and inclusivity, enhance the effectiveness of active learning. Therefore

Recommendations Explain context and framework of the workshop Explain benefits of engagement in activities Explain short-term and long-term benefits of activities Use real-life simulation to design activities Create diversified instructions for activities suitable for all learners Recommendations developed taking into consideration the Framework for Adult Learning (Knowles, 1990)

Thank you for your active participation Questions? Thank you for your active participation

References Knowles, M. (1990). The adult learner: a neglected species. Gulf Publishing Company, 4th edition. Van Acker L. and Bailey J. (2011). Asian Social Science 7 (4): 69-76. Vygotsky, LS. (1978). Cole M., John-Steiner V., Scribner S. and Souberman E. (eds.), Harvard University Press. Wieman CE. (2014). Proceeding of the National Academy of Science 111 (23): 8319-8320.