Active Learning

Definition;
Active learning refers to learning that occurs through instructional strategies that
engage students intellectually and physically to prepare them to be active citizens and
competent participants in a society. It works on promoting higher order thinking skills among
students such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Strategies:
Some strategies that promote active learning are:

 Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning is a method of instruction that has students working together in

groups, usually to achieve a specific goal or perform a specific task. This method can
help students develop leadership skills and the ability to work with others as a team.

Problem-based learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered instructional strategy in which

students collaboratively solve problems and reflect on their experiences.

 Discussion

A discussion is a means of instruction which promotes communication between multiple

people. It allows people with different views on a topic to learn from each other.

 Brainstorming

Brainstorming is an informal way of generating information on topics.

 Researches and projects

They can be defined as a means of search for knowledge or as any systematic
investigation to establish or verify fact, etc,…

 The use of case methods

A case method is a research methodology which is based on an in-depth investigation of a single
individual, group, or event.
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 Activ Learning Assessment Tool
Teacher: School:
Emp. No.: Visit objectives:
Subject: Date: Class: Period:

Respond to each statement using the following scale:

1=weak 2=satisfactory 3=Fair 4=Good 5= very good N/A =Not applicable

No Item 1 2 3 4 5 N/A
I. Planning/ Organization
1 Behavioral Objectives are clear, diversified and in logical
sequence
2 Pre-requisites are relevant to the objectives
3 Teaching/ learning activities comply with active learning
strategies
4 Activities lead to achieve learning objectives
5 Teaching/ learning consider different levels and learning
styles
6 Evaluation tools are versified and relevant to the
objectives
II. Resources, AVM and Learning/ Teaching Aids
1 Utilizes available resources AVM / teaching/learning
Aids (Data show, videos, labs, tapes, Internet, prompts,
O.H.P, B/B …etc) effectively
III. Presentation/ Performance
1 Stimulates pupils’ motivation.
2 Introduces the lesson that stimulates pupils motivation
3 Checks, avails, and builds-on prior experience>
4 Clarifies the expected pupil's achievement at the start of
the lesson
5 Relates the new learning to real world & every day life
6 Uses various activities to meet individual differences and
stimulate all students to active involvement
7 Deals with miss behavior and disruptions by referring to
the established rules of the classroom & code of conduct
8 Praises learners towards realizing their potential
9 Provides sufficient wait time and response strategies-
restates important ideas, questions & answers, if
necessary, to involve all types of learners
10 Poses questions which encourage thinking and promote
critical and higher order thinking skills
11 Provides explicit, detailed and constructive feedback
12 Uses active learning strategies (Cooperative, problem
based, discussion, Brainstorming, projects, case

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 study, educational games, songs, rhymes…etc.)
13 Develops positive values and attitudes.
14 Assigns planned homework activities that enhances
learning
15 Manages time effectively
16 Demonstrates lesson closure skills
IV. Communication/ Interaction
1 shows good communication skills
2 Uses activities that promotes students interaction &
communication skills
3 Encourages pupils’ questions and response
4 Uses appropriate language for instruction.
V. Classroom Environment
1 Ensures that physical environment is suitable for learning
2 Shows high expectation of all pupils
3 Listens & responds carefully to pupils questions.
4 Promotes mutual respect among pupils
5 Promotes cooperation among pupils
6 Encourages a learner centered focus
7 Involves learners in planning and reviewing experience
VI. Assessment
1 Asks questions to monitor pupils’ understanding
2 Provides the opportunity to self and peer correction
3 Assessment tools are varied and relevant to the objectives
4 Assesses students products and provides constructive
feedback.
VII. Specialization/ Content Knowledge
1 Presents material at an appropriate level for students
2 Demonstrates command of the subject matter
3 Uses modern methods for teaching the subject

Summary Comments:

 Is lesson planning a continuous practice and matching the annual plan?

 What are the teacher’s major strengths as demonstrated in the observation?

 What suggestions do you have for improving the teacher’s skills or methodology?

 If this is a repeated observation, what progress have you discerned in the teacher’s skills?

 Does the teacher show commitment and accept guidance?

School Supervisor (Math)

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