Chapter 1:
Active Learning
Bridging the Gap, 9/e
Brenda Smith
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
What is Active Learning?
• Paying attention,
concentrating
• Understanding learning
styles
• Overcoming distractions
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
How does the Brain
Screen Messages?
•A dual command center screens
messages.
• The cortex screens for trivial
information.
•The cortex & reticular activation
system (RAS) blocks distractions.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Is Divided Attention Effective?
“You can’t do two things at once
and do them well.”
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Can Tasks Become Automatic?
• Driving a car or dribbling a
basketball are automatic
processes.
• But…driving a car and
talking on the cell phone
is not a good idea.
• Your mind can split between
automatic tasks and tasks that
need your undivided attention
well.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Automatic Aspects of Reading
• College textbook reading is not as
automatic as everyday reading.
• So concentration is needed to read
college texts, preferably with no
interruptions.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Cognitive Styles
1.
2.
3.
4.
Extroverted-Introverted
Sensing-Intuitive
Thinking-Feeling
Judging-Perceiving
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Extroverted-Introverted
• Extroverts prefer to talk
with others and learn
through experience
• Introverts prefer to think
alone about ideas
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Sensing-Intuitive
• Sensing prefer to work with
concrete details and tend to be
patient, practical, and realistic.
• Intuitive like abstractions and are
creative, impatient, and theory
oriented.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Thinking -Feeling
• Thinking types tend to base
decisions on objective criteria and
logical principles.
• Sensing types are subjective and
consider the impact of their
decisions on other people.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Judging- Perceiving
• Judging-time oriented
and structured
• Perceiversspontaneous and
flexible
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
VAK Sensory Learning Styles
• Visual-needs to see or visualize to
learn.
• Auditory- needs to hear to work
and learn.
• Kinesthetic/tactile-needs to do to
learn.
Pg. 7-8 Reference
Multiple Intelligences
•Word smart-Linguistic
•Picture smart-Spatial
•Logical smart-Logical
mathematical
•Body smart-Bodilykinesthetic
•People smartInterpersonal
•Self smartIntrapersonal
•Music smart-Musical
•Nature smartNaturalistic
See Page 10 in your book for a diagram of multiple
intelligences.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Rank yourself 1-10
What is Concentration?
• Concentration is the process of
paying attention.
• It is essential for active learning.
• It is a habit that requires time
and effort to develop for
consistent success.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
External & Internal Distractors
• External-temptations
from the physical world
that take your attention.
• Internal- temptations
from within yourself that
take away your attention.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Cures for External Distractions
• Create a Place for Studying.
• Use a Pocket Calendar,
Assignment Book, or Personal
Digital Assistant.
• Schedule Weekly Activities.
• Take Short Breaks. (50-10
ratio)
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Cures for Internal Distractions
• Make a List.
• Increase Your SelfConfidence.
• Improve Your Self-Concept.
• Reduce Anxiety.
• Spark an Interest.
• Set a Time Goal.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Reader’s Tip: Improving Concentration
• Create an environment that says, “Study.”
• Use a calendar, assignment book or PDA for
short- and long-term planning.
• Keep a daily to-do list.
• Take short breaks.
• Visualize yourself as a successful graduate.
• Reduce anxiety by passing the first test.
• Spark an interest.
• Set time goals for completing daily
assignments.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Successful Academic Behaviors
• Attend class
– Be on Time.
– Recognize Essential Class Sessions.
– Preview your textbooks.
– Read Assignments Before Class.
– Review Lecture Notes Before Class.
– Consider Using a Tape Recorder.
– Predict the Exam Questions.
– Pass the First Test.
–2008
Network
with other students.
Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Successful Academic Behaviors
• Network with other students
– Form a Study Group.
– Learn from Other Students’
Papers.
– Collaborate.
Check out the Reader’s Tip on Managing E-mail Effectively.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Use the Syllabus
•
•
•
•
•
•
Goals
Objectives
Assignments
Examination dates
Course requirements
Explanation of the grading
system
Pg. 23 Activity
Syllabus Quiz
• What is your first assignment?
• What is the date of your first test?
• Am I available to meet with you
during the afternoons?
• What percentage of your grade is
your midterm exam?
• Can you fail both tests in this class
and still pass with a B or better?
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
End of Class Quiz:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
What is active learning?
How does the brain “pay attention?”
Can you do two things at once?
What are multiple intelligences?
How can you improve your
concentration?
6) What are common internal and external
distracters and cures?
7) Why is your syllabus important?
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Assessments
VARK Inventory
http://www.varklearn.com/english/page.asp?p=qu
estionnaire
Multiple Intelligences Assessment
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgiwin/JTypes2.asp
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers
Useful Sites
www.Myreadinglab.com
www.ablongman.com/smith
http://learning.hccs.edu
www.hccs.edu
Supplemental Reading Assignment
Can You Stand the Pressure to
Succeed? pg. 30-33
Complete pgs. 34-35 (1-15)
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers