It is well known that active learning has demonstrated promise in our classrooms as evidenced by student achievement. Unless otherwise dictated, faculty have the autonomy to select the type of teaching and learning that can be used in their classrooms to effectively teach their subject matter. Generally, faculty tend to provide instruction in the manner they received their education. Similarly, it is more likely to find faculty who tend to engage in professional development “delivered” using active learning strategies and tend to deploy active learning in their classrooms. A meta-analysis in STEM classrooms suggests that letter grades are increased and racial learning gaps decreased compared to lectures.
Knowing that passive learning is less effective than active learning, why are so many professional development and training activities provided in a lecture format in both education and corporate institutions? At times there are attempts of active learning by requesting engagement with questions despite predominantly in a lecture-based format. How are these concepts going to “stick” with little to no application? When is the ‘sage on the stage’ approach with the purpose to check a box going away? When will training focus on acquiring “real job” related knowledge, skills, and behaviors? It is time for a rethinking and/or major overhaul of the growth and development of faculty and employees.
Why would active learning work as training for corporations? The main reason, PROBLEM-SOLVING. Employees are expected to be proficient in their line of work and solve real-world problems. Active learning allows employees to develop problem-solving skills and practice solving issues that may be encountered in their line of work. When a new problem, issue, or situation arises, employees who practiced in active learning training worked towards mastery. Employers who provide resources and autonomy to employees do their occupation, often, no longer focus on punching in and out of a clock, complying with company policy, rather engagement in the company with a strong sense of purpose.
Team-based learning (TBL) is one method of active learning that you can adapt for any situation, discipline, and timeframe. InteDashboard provides professional development opportunities through ongoing online workshops and additional planned expansion to other formats for our partners. With over 100 online workshops delivered, nearly 1700 participants, and a feedback rating of 10/10, InteDashboard is poised to support your classrooms. Jumpstart your TBL professional development training with the TBL Fundamental Series. It’s about time to kick active learning and training into high gear; find out how TBL can work for you!