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FAQ: 10 Most Asked Questions about Active Learning

1. What’s an example of Active Learning?

Active learning is all about solving real problems by doing.

Here are some examples:

1. Recycling Project

If you're studying recycling, have your child sort household recyclables and create a recycling plan.

They can research which items can be recycled, track the amount of waste reduced, and present their findings.

2. Nature Journal

For a biology lesson, take your child on nature walks to observe plants and animals.

Have them keep a journal where they draw, describe, and categorize what they see.

This helps them learn about ecosystems and biodiversity hands-on.

3. Cooking Math

Have your child follow a recipe, measure ingredients, and adjust portions.

They can calculate measurements, convert units, and even learn about fractions and ratios through practical application.

4. Historical Role-Play

When studying history, assign your child a historical figure to research.

They can dress up and present a day in the life of that person, explaining their significance and the historical context.

This makes history engaging and memorable.

5. DIY Science Experiments

Conduct simple science experiments at home.

For instance, make a volcano using baking soda and vinegar to demonstrate chemical reactions.

Have your child predict the outcome, observe the reaction, and explain the science behind it.

These examples not only make learning interactive and fun but also help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills.

2. How do I keep my child engaged in Active Learning?

To keep your child engaged in active learning:;

- Follow their interests: Relate lessons to things they love.

For instance, if your child loves insects, create a project exploring different bug habitats.

They can research, build a bug habitat, and observe insects, making learning interactive and fun.

- Let them choose: Give options on how they want to learn.

- Work together: Team up for group projects or experiments.

For example, my daughter love dogs, so she researched the breeds she likes the most and created Cute Doggy Notebooks to sell. Check them out here!

3. Is Active Learning good or bad?

Active learning is awesome because:

• It makes learning exciting and memorable.

• Kids understand and remember more.

• They develop important skills like critical thinking.

However, it can take more time and effort to set up.

4. What’s an example of Active Learning in action?

Project-Based Learning (PBL) provides an excellent example of active learning in action.

PBL projects are often interdisciplinary, integrating concepts from various subjects such as science, math, language arts, and social studies.

By working on a project, students can see the connections between different disciplines, making their learning more meaningful and relevant.

Example: Create a garden together to learn about plants, weather, and ecosystems.

5. How do I know if my child is an active learner?

Your child might be an active learner if they:

• Love hands-on activities.

• Enjoy solving puzzles and building things.

• Ask lots of questions and like to discuss ideas.

6. How do different homeschooling methods include active learning to keep children engaged in their education?

Different homeschooling methods incorporate active learning to keep children engaged in their education in various ways:

1. Eclectic Approach: In an eclectic homeschooling environment, parents often incorporate active learning strategies such as hands-on projects, experiments, and field trips to engage children in their learning process.

2. Project-Based Learning (PBL): PBL is inherently rooted in active learning principles.

Children actively engage in projects, research, problem-solving, and collaboration, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

3. Montessori Method: The Montessori approach encourages active learning through hands-on exploration and manipulation of materials in a prepared environment.

Children have the freedom to choose activities that interest them, fostering independence and self-directed learning.

4. Charlotte Mason Method: While the Charlotte Mason method emphasizes living books, nature study, and narration, it also encourages active participation in learning.

Children are encouraged to interact with the material through nature walks, art appreciation, and discussions.

5. Classical Education: Although classical education may seem more traditional in its approach, active learning can still be incorporated.

For example, students actively engage in Socratic discussions, debates, and hands-on activities related to classical subjects such as Latin and logic.

7. How do I assess Active Learning?

• Keep a portfolio: Collect their projects and work.

• Presentations: Let them show and tell what they’ve learned.

• Peer reviews: Encourage them to give and get feedback from friends or family.

8. Does active learning really work?

Yes! A new Harvard study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that active learning is more effective than traditional lectures.

Lead author Louis Deslauriers and his team discovered that although students felt they learned more from lectures, they actually scored higher on tests following active learning sessions.

Active learning methods, such as collaborative problem-solving and group activities, improve student engagement and academic achievement.

9. Which is better: passive or Active Learning?

Active learning usually wins because it’s engaging and fun. But a mix of both can be the best approach.

10. What are three fun Active Learning strategies?

• Think-Pair-Share: Think about a question, discuss it with a partner, and share it with the group.

• Jigsaw: Learn one part of a topic, then teach it to others.

• Role-Playing: Act out scenarios to understand different perspectives.

I hope this FAQ makes Active Learning fun and easy for you and your child.

Enjoy your homeschooling adventure!

DdL Mom