Active Learning: Transforming Classrooms from Passive Listening to Engaged Understanding

By – Dr. Banee Bandana Das
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
SRM University – AP

Traditional classroom teaching ,mainly lectures where students listen passively is increasingly less preferred than active learning because research and classroom experience show that active approaches lead to better understanding, engagement, and long-term retention. Here are the key reasons:

• Lower Student Engagement
• Weaker Knowledge Retention
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach
• Limited Development of Critical Skills
• Reduced Motivation and Ownership
• Poor Alignment with Real-World Demands

Educational research shows that active learningImproves exam performance, Reduces failure rates and Benefits students across different ability levels.

Active learning in teaching is an instructional approach where students are actively engaged in the learning process rather than passively receiving information. It focuses on doing, thinking, discussing, and reflecting to deepen understanding.

Benefits of AL:

• Improves understanding and retention
• Encourages critical thinking
• Increases student engagement
• Builds real-world skills
• Addresses different learning styles
• Provides immediate feedback
• Boosts motivation and confidence

What active learning looks like

Instead of long lectures, students might:Discuss ideas with peers, Solve problems or analyse cases, Ask and answer questions, apply concepts to real-life situations, Reflect on what they’ve learned

Key principles:

• Student-cantered: Learners take responsibility for their learning
• Engagement: Thinking, questioning, and interaction are central
• Collaboration: Learning often happens through discussion and teamwork
• Reflection: Students connect new knowledge to prior understanding

Common active learning strategies:

• Think–Pair–Share: Students think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the class
• Group discussions or debates: Encourage critical thinking and communication
• Problem-based learning (PBL): Students solve real-world or open-ended problems
• Case studies: Apply theory to practical scenarios
• Role-playing and simulations: Practice decision-making and empathy
• Peer teaching: Students explain concepts to each other
• Quick writes / exit tickets: Short reflections to assess understanding

Challenges (and solutions):

• Time constraints: Use short activities within lectures
• Large classes: Use small group or peer activities
• Student resistance: Explain benefits and start gradually

Implementing active learning in a short-duration class (30–45 minutes or even less) is very effective if activities are focused, simple, and well-structured. The key is micro-activities that take only a few minutes but require thinking.

Principles for short classes:

• Plan 1–2 active tasks only (not many)
• Keep instructions very clear and quick
• Use pair or individual work instead of large groups
• Time every activity strictly

Quick active learning strategies (5–10 minutes each)

1. Think–Pair–Share (5 minutes)

How:

• Ask a focused question
• 1 min: students think
• 2 min: discuss with a partner
• 2 min: share responses

Best for: Concept understanding, quick revision

2. One-Minute Paper / Quick Write (3–5 minutes)

How:

• Ask students to write:
• “What is the most important idea today?”
• or “What is still unclear?”

Best for: Reflection and feedback

3. Polls or Hand Signals (2–3 minutes)

How:

• Use yes/no questions, thumbs up/down, or MCQs
• Can be done orally or with simple tools

Best for: Checking understanding quickly

4. Think–Solve–Share (5–7 minutes)

How:

• Give one problem or scenario
• Students solve individually or in pairs
• Discuss the solution briefly

Best for: Problem-based subjects

5. Concept Question (Peer Instruction) (5 minutes)

How:

• Ask a conceptual MCQ
• Students vote
• Discuss with peers
• Vote again

Best for: Clearing misconceptions

6. Exit Ticket (Last 3 minutes)

How:

• Students answer one question before leaving:
  • “What did you learn today?”
  • “Give one example of today’s topic.”

Best for: Assessment and closure

Active learning is not just a teaching technique—it is a philosophy that places students at the center of their own educational journey. By shifting from passive reception to active participation, learners develop deeper understanding, stronger critical thinking, and skills that align with real-world demands. Even in short classes, carefully designed micro-activities can spark curiosity, sustain engagement, and leave lasting impressions. As education continues to evolve, embracing active learning ensures that classrooms remain vibrant spaces where knowledge is not only taught but truly experienced.