“Active learning engages students in the process of learning through activities and/or discussion in class, as opposed to passively listening to an expert. It emphasizes higher-order thinking and often involves group work” (Freeman et al., 2014).

Research has shown the value of active learning for student engagement, improving achievement especially of under-represented groups (Inside Higher Ed, 2022), prompting student agency (Harris et al, 2020), and providing the conditions for sense of belonging.

Active learning can also promote the development of skills for life, work and citizenship, and in the classroom can involve working in diverse groups on community and global issues (Pasquerella 2022).

All of these elements of active learning, strongly reflect the University’s vision for education through helping develop inclusive learning environments which: support all students to reach their potential; make students feel known, valued and belonging to a community; engage students in developing skills for a changing world.

Current activities

BILT’s involvement with this theme includes:

• Funding of 13 Education Development Projects
• Engagement of a BILT Student Fellow (Kat Rooney) in the theme area 
• Show, Tell and Talk workshops

Resources and guidance

• Our case studies on problem based learning, authentic learning and research-rich teaching contain great examples of active learning ideas in use in Bristol.