Active Learning for the 21st Century
Imagine a traditional, typical classroom setting. Conjure up the classroom in your mind. What do you see? Probably, it’s something like this… A lecturer stands in front of the class. Maybe the instructor has a chalkboard behind them. Perhaps it’s a white board or projector screen, but it’s the same idea. The lecturer stands in front of the class and talks. The students listen and take notes. Some of them struggle to stay awake. Maybe they watch the clock ticking.
In today’s educational landscape, chalk-and-talk methods are becoming obsolete – and for very good reasons. The traditional teacher-centered classroom where students only listen to lectures is giving way to a more interactive and collaborative approach.
What Is Active Learning?
Research into pedagogy, the practice of teaching, continues to evolve. Every year we learn more about the psychology of learning. Experts have developed a variety of models and methods to help students learn more quickly, more efficiently and more energetically. New tools and techniques empower the best teachers to tailor their ‘lessons’ with interactive approaches.
All of these newer teaching models, methods, tools and techniques go by a wide variety of names. Researchers and academics debate over which is the best and which are most suited to particular situations. However, what many of these methods share is a focus on ‘active learning.’ An active-learning approach promotes student engagement and participation through practices such as:
- Collaboration – examples: group projects, social network participation, mentoring other learners
- Discussion – examples: classroom discussions, webinars, interactions with guest experts
- Inquiry – examples: data collection and analysis, comparison of texts, field observations
- Production – examples: creating reports, digital case studies, electronic portfolios, presentations
(Source: D. Laurillard, Teaching as Design Science)
In active learning, students aren’t empty vessels waiting to be filled, in theory, by the words coming out of a professor’s mouth. Instead, the students explore issues, investigate problems and build knowledge themselves with the instructor as a facilitator. The instructor’s primary role is to strategically design educational scenarios and help students engage with topics and learn at a deeper, more meaningful level so that the things which are learned can be more readily applied to the real world.
Why Is Active Learning Important?
Modern approaches to pedagogy centre students as active participants in the learning process instead of keeping them downgraded as passive recipients. With these more effective approaches, students can develop critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, which are all essential for success in the 21st century. Therefore, it’s crucial for educators to adapt to these changes and embrace new teaching strategies that will equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a modern world.
Interactive learning has revolutionised the traditional educational model, as it provides a more engaging and personalised learning experience for students. Whether students are studying hospitality management as they do at AIHM, or any other field, they require educators who understand the importance of student engagement, active participation and applied learning.
Key benefits of active learning include the following:
- Active learning accommodates different learning styles.
- Active learning promotes teamwork and collaboration.
- Active learning prepares students for the real world.
- Active learning fosters creativity and innovation.
- Active learning promotes life-long learning.
Learn more about each benefit below and how it fits into a 21st century education.
Learning Styles – One Size Does NOT Fit All
One of the key benefits of active learning is that it accommodates different learning styles. Students can learn at their own pace, and in a way that suits their individual needs. This approach can be particularly effective for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods, such as lectures and note-taking. Interactive learning allows these students to engage with the material in a way that is more meaningful and relevant to them.
Collaborative Learning
Another advantage of active learning is that it promotes teamwork and collaboration. By working together on group projects and assignments, students learn to communicate effectively and build essential social skills. This approach fosters a sense of community within the classroom, which helps create a positive and supportive learning environment.
Students in AIHM’s BBA in Global Hospitality Management regularly come together in teams for hands-on projects. In every industry, in every field, in nearly every job role, after graduation students will need to work in teams – sometimes as a participant and sometimes as a leader. While group work isn’t a totally new phenomenon in education, it’s often under-emphasised in favour of individual tasks. An active learning environment elevates teamwork to a much higher priority.
A Real-World Focus
Active learning can be highly effective in preparing students for the real world. The skills developed through this approach, such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration (as mentioned above), are highly valued in the workplace. By emphasising these skills, active learning can help to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers. Internships, applied learning opportunities, and discussions centred on real-world case studies are great ways to provide students with active learning opportunities that will help them thrive and progress as they enter the working world.
Innovation-Forward
Another key benefit of active learning is that it promotes creativity and innovation. By encouraging students to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles, this approach fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. These traits are particularly important in today's rapidly changing world, where new ideas and solutions are needed to address complex challenges.
Whether working in teams – for example, collaborating within the actual restaurants at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – or working individually – for example, in head-to-head competitions – AIHM’s students benefit from learning opportunities that challenge them to think imaginatively, to experiment and to think beyond current conventions.
An Education that Continues After Graduation
Moreover, active learning can also help to promote lifelong learning. Active learning empowers students to drive their own growth. They learn to build knowledge for themselves. Instead of relying on others, they become the centre of their own learning and development. This pedagogical approach instills a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. It emphasises continuous learning and personal growth. Active learning doesn’t just provide information; it creates a mindset.
A curriculum that highlights active learning can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life, as individuals continue to develop their skills and knowledge throughout their career and personal lives.
The Future of Active Learning
Active learning is a promising development in the field of education. Now firmly embraced by the academic community and at the forefront of today’s pedagogy, the methods are sure to continue evolving. Dedicated educators must stay on top of the new innovations, adapting them to their own curricula and drawing from them to imagine original, high-impact learning scenarios that will power their students’ growth.
By creating a more engaging and dynamic learning experience, active learning establishes deep-seated knowledge and transformed perspectives that far outlast the old chalk-and-talk methods. All students deserve an educational journey that fills them with inspiration and promotes a lifelong love of learning.
Knowledge is Power
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