Traditional teaching and Active learning
Traditional teaching method is based mostly on the knowledge transfer between teachers and students. It focuses on WHAT the students must learn rather than the best way in which they can learn. In this method, the word “Teaching” reflects the teachers' perspective where the subject matter tends to be focused on academic works and the need to pass exams.
The Active learning method is based mostly on the students' strengths and personal direction in their learning process. It focuses on HOW the students learn and the best way in which they can learn. In this method, the word “Learning” reflects the students' perspective where the subject matter tends to be focused on the knowledge and skills that students will develop. The word “Active” means learning is achieved through personally determination and involvement, rather than receiving teaching from someone by listening, study of theory, or other means of knowledge transfer.
The expression “Learning by Doing” is commonly used to describe the type of learning which focuses on the actual implementation. (A common saying is: “You hear, you forget; you see, you remember, you do and you understand.) It is a powerful way to help students to reach their full potential of skills development. Active learning can be used in any types of class, from elementary, high school to college but the most effective is in college where students need to develop both knowledge and skills. Active learning is also focusing in the improvement of students' confidence and a sense of direction.
The traditional lecturing method focuses mostly on external needs such as passing exams or getting a degree. Active learning method focuses on the ways to motivate students to learn by their own initiative rather than someone want them to learn. Today most students' learning attitudes can be traced back to their experiences as young children at school when they are taught rather than learn for themselves. They learn to memorize, they learn to pass exams, they learn to get degree and when they go to work, most have difficulty in doing something new, something outside of their defined roles, or something that they are not taught.
Active learning encourages students to develop personal direction, to visualize progression towards something meaningful and helps them create a positive outlook for life, and this is where true motivation comes from. When students have strong career direction, knowing what they want, what they can achieve, and what their future could be, they will do whatever they can to achieve it. Motivation must be connected with something meaningful to them and this can only come from inside the person.
Students need help to focus on what they are good at rather than be crammed by things that have no meaning for them. Students always want to learn about the things that interest them and which they enjoy. By focusing onto this motivation first then directing onto it other learning aspects is the best way to develop professional people. Active learning is about helping students to develop their own personal potential first and this is the foundation onto which everything will be built. Without this strong sense of purpose or direction there can be no learning or skills development. When students have strong belief and a clear sense of purpose, they can learn almost everything on their own but they still need caring teachers who can guide them and open up the learning world for them to learn.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
