Instructor and Student Perceptions of Active Learning Techniques

Memorial Union Lecture Bowl

Active learning has been documented as an effective instructional strategy for improving student performance. Active learning techniques are those that promote higher level thinking of class material, such as group discussions, posing questions, and providing demonstrations. We wanted to investigate perceptions regarding instructor ability to implement active learning strategies and student ability to participate in active learning strategies. Additionally, we wanted to examine perceptions concerning the efficacy of and attitudes towards active learning methods. College instructors (N = 38) and undergraduate students (N = 149) were surveyed at North Dakota State 4 University. Our results indicate that in general, active learning techniques are perceived as favorable and effective. Moreover, instructors and students report that they are highly capable of implementing or participating in various active learning practices. This research adds to the literature examining active learning techniques, providing information from both instructor and student perspectives.