– Certainly! Lund University aims to create a learning environment where students are at the heart of the educational process, and a crucial part of that is the implementation of active learning. Traditional teaching methods, such as teacher-centred lectures and seminars, can be effective in certain contexts, but active learning offers something quite different. It creates more inclusive learning environments that welcome and support students from diverse backgrounds, and it makes learning more participatory and dynamic.
What exactly is active learning, and how does it differ from traditional teaching?
– Active learning involves engaging students in activities where they are not only doing things but also reflecting on what they are doing. This contrasts with traditional lecture-based teaching, where the teacher is often the main source of knowledge. In active learning, students and teachers work together in learning activities, and students are encouraged to discover knowledge for themselves, often through collaboration and discussion, rather than being directly told the answers. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
How does this shift impact the role of the teacher in the classroom?
– The teacher’s role changes significantly in an active learning classroom. Rather than being the primary knowledge provider, the teacher becomes a facilitator who helps guide students through their learning journey. One of the most common critiques of active learning is that the teacher doesn’t “tell” the students anything – they have to figure it out themselves. But that’s exactly the point. Students not only learn the material but also develop critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking. It’s a more dynamic and interactive process.
How is the course "Active Learning in Social Science" structured, and what can participants expect?
– The course is designed to allow teachers to experience active learning firsthand. It’s a "learning-by-doing" course – each session involves structured learning activities, just like the ones their students would experience. One of the most exciting aspects of the course is that participants are encouraged to try new activities, even if they’re unsure about them. Creative pedagogy is all about learning from mistakes, not just successes. Additionally, much of the course takes place outside the classroom through "flipped learning," where participants engage in activities like quizzes, collaborative exercises, and course design.
What are the key takeaways for participants on this course?
– There are several, but some of the most important include gaining insight into how course materials, in this case from a textbook on creative teaching, can drive various learning activities such as explaining, presenting, and experiencing. They also learn valuable transferable skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication – all of which are fundamental to active learning. Toward the end of the course, participants get the chance to design their own "dream course," where they apply these active learning techniques for the benefit of their students.
I've been engaged in teaching at Lund University for over 15 years and participated in many pedagogical courses over those years. But this is the first course that truly has had a direct impact on how I approach and think about my own teaching strategies as a learner as well as on what grounds and for what purpose I choose certain activities in the classroom. I think this course should be a mandatory course for everyone engaged in teaching at the university, to truly understand and appreciate the meaning and practice of active learning.
Sara Gabrielsson - Senior lecturer in Sustainability science at Lund University
So, Ian – you mentioned that active learning plays a critical role in addressing future challenges for the university, particularly in relation to AI and large language models. Could you elaborate on that?
– Yes, that’s correct. As AI, particularly large language models, become more integrated into students’ academic work – from research to essay writing – we need to find ways to create meaningful and participatory learning environments. Active learning provides a counterbalance to this. By engaging students in real-world, creative, and collaborative learning activities, we help them develop skills that can’t be automated by AI – like critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal collaboration.
How do you see the future of active learning at Lund University?
– Active learning is definitely a key part of the university’s future. I believe we’re just beginning to tap into its potential to improve the quality of education and make Lund University a more attractive place for students from all over the world. I’m excited to see how we, as a university, continue to develop and integrate these methods into our teaching practices.