Active Learning
 
WHAT IS AN ACTIVE LEARNER?

Not surprisingly, an active learner attends class regularly

  • he is on time.
  • If he is absent, he feels obligated to let the instructor know why,
  • his excuse seems legitimate and reasonable.
  • An active learner assumes responsibility for getting all assignments missed and understanding specifically what was covered in class
  1. An active learner takes advantage of extra credit opportunities if offered. She demonstrates a concern about her grades and is willing to work to improve them. An active learner often does the optional (and frequently challenging) assignments that other students pass up, such as giving a five-minute presentation on a key figure or event in history.
  2. A successful student participates in class discussion, even if his attempts are a bit clumsy at first. He asks questions that the instructor knows many in the class are bound to have, provided they are listening.
  3. Taking full responsibility for her own learning, a successful student see the instructor before or after class about grades, comments on returned papers, or about an upcoming test. Sometimes she just wants to ask a question or make a comment relative to class discussion.
  4. An active learner turns in assignments that look neat and sharp. He takes time to produce a final product that looks good, a reflection of a caring attitude and pride in his work.
  5. An active learner is attentive in class. She doesn't chat, read, or stare out of the window. In other words, she is polite and graceful, even if she is a bit bored.
  6. Successful students complete all assignments.
  7. Successful students are active learners, taking full responsibility for their own learning.
There are many more characteristics of active learners. Review the material in this web site to add to your list of characteristics.
 

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Please send any questions, or comments to Nora E. McMillan, email, nmcmilla@alamo.edu, 
or Carol A. Keller, email, ckeller@alamo.edu