Active Learning Strategies

Steps (Version 1)

1. Arrange students in groups of 4 to 6. The size of groups should ideally correspond to the number of components in the task.
2. Assign a separate task to each member of the group. For example, say the overall task is to describe the four parts of a cell. In a group of four, one student could study the membrane, one cytoplasm, one ribosome, and one DNA.
3. After spending time on their portion of the problem, ask students report back to their group. As a group, they put together the components of the problem. For example, to describe how the parts of a cell work together, or solve a problem related to the functioning of a cell.
4. Have one group present their findings back to the class, discuss and compare solutions.
   • Variation: Have each group solve a different problem (e.g., related to the parts of a cell) and then compare how the parts of a cell worked in each problem.