Actively Learning: Creating Critical Thinkers through Action

Community college faculty encounter a variety of challenges in the classroom. In addition to meeting the needs of the college's mission, faculty also face a diverse student population ranging from students who are still in high school to non-traditional and adult learners over the age of 50. Two-thirds of our students are from under-represented groups (low-income, first generation, and students of color). As faculty, one of our greatest challenges is teaching survey material to the wide variety of students with their broad backgrounds and learning needs. This presentation discusses the role that active learning, including Digital Humanities, can play in developing critical thinking skills and material adoption for all students at all learning levels. Active learning invites students to engage in the education process as more than passive participants. It also provides faculty with real time feedback on student learning through informal assessment in the classroom. Learners remember more when they are involved in their learning. Educators become more effective and impactful when they use their time effectively. Project-based learning and simple quick classroom activities can produce noticeable results. Activities such as pair-share and gallery walks work in all subject areas. This presentation will not only talk about the effect and impact of such instruction but will also actively present the material to attendees. Experiences include a quick learning activity while in the panel, having attendees share with their neighbors, live tweet during the presentation, and provide quick end of “lesson” feedback. Demonstrating information transmission in different ways produces learning results, participants can see how beneficial such instruction is and how it engages and meets the needs of all students.