Simple Swaps for Moving From Passive to Active Learning

Most teachers (myself included) don’t want to rely on lectures and worksheets to do our jobs. The problem is that it’s time-intensive and difficult to plan for lots and lots of active learning, which is an instructional approach that engages students in discussions, problem-solving, group work, and hands-on projects. The active learning methodology encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of knowledge. When employed well, it leads to deeper understanding and retention of concepts.

I’ve long been a champion of active learning, but I got a bit burned out on coming up with new activities and spinning forward lessons. I felt pressure to develop intricate simulations and anticipate every eventuality; I wanted each lesson to not not only be engaging, but also be aligned with a million learning outcomes. It seemed easier just to lecture for an hour.

But I eventually discovered that active learning really just requires some approachable changes in both mindset and planning. It doesn’t mean an overhaul of every class period—more what I call “simple swaps.”

By employing a few simple swap ideas, you can turn your passive, worksheet-heavy lessons into energizing, active learning—all without new materials or even extra planning. Here are my ideas for different lesson plans and teaching strategies.

A Lecture Simple Swamp

Passive learning approach: 30-minute lecture.

Active learning approach: 5-to-10-minute micro-lecture, then discussion.

The swap: Lecturing is often necessary and helpful. The key is to not lecture for the better part of an hour. Break things up. For example, lecture for five minutes, then do some low-level questioning to check for understanding. Return to lecture for five more minutes, then engage in a class discussion that explores deeper themes, analyzes the material, or practices problem-solving skills.

The benefits: Students pay more attention, because they know they will imminently participate in a class discussion. Teachers get a better grasp of how students are absorbing new information and how they’re communicating it. And teachers don’t have to listen to themselves talk for 30 minutes straight (or maybe that’s just a me thing).

A Worksheet Completion Simple Swap

Passive learning approach: Completing a worksheet.

Active learning approach: Problem-solving stations.

The swap: To get started, teachers can take a prepared worksheet from their subject area and cut it into strips. Examples might include two math problems, a short reading with comprehension questions, or an ethical dilemma with short answers. Assemble the cut-up worksheet questions or problems around the room and put roughly the same number of students at each station. Set a timer. When it goes off, students rotate to the next station. Repeat until everyone has completed each set.

The benefits: Teachers don’t need to ditch the worksheet—they’re just switching their method of delivery. Students leave their seats and engage with questions and problem-solving in a much more interesting way.

A Rote Review Simple Swap

Passive learning approach: Rote review.

Active learning approach: Peer-marking.

The swap: It’s not unusual for teachers to go over the answers to an assignment or formative assessment one by one, so that students can check their work. I recommend peer-marking as an alternative. First, explain some peer-marking best practices to the class: Students should deliver positive feedback and constructive criticism to one another. Next, ask students to switch papers with someone else. Tell them to mark objective answers as correct or incorrect, and to add commentary for subjective answers. Display the correct answers on the board, and spend some time going over the trickiest prompts.

The benefits: Peer-marking saves teachers time and reduces their mental load. Students obtain a deeper understanding of their own learning by seeing how others accomplish their assignments. And teachers are freed up to better assist students who are struggling with a specific problem.

A Teacher-Led Work Simple Swap

Passive learning approach: Teacher-led assignments and instruction.

Active learning approach: Student-generated presentations and activities.

The swap: Instead of introducing a new concept through instruction, task students with teaching the concept themselves. Start by assigning different topics to small groups (give each learner a role to keep them focused). Refer them to reliable resources, like a section of the textbook or professional websites. Each group creates a short slide deck, cites their sources, and comes up with a review activity for their fellow students.

The benefits: Learning new material in order to teach it requires a high level of understanding. Creation is the highest level of critical thinking, according to Bloom’s Taxonomy. Requiring each member of the group to communicate what they’ve learned to the rest of the class helps further synthesize the information.

A Static Review Simple Swap

Passive learning approach: Study guide revision.

Active learning approach: Game-based review.

The swap: Teachers can turn just about any learning activity into a game or competition. For instance, when reviewing for an assessment, try out an interactive game, rather than giving students a study guide to go through on their own. “Around the World” can be done with little to no preparation. Have two students stand up, and ask them both a question. The learner who gets the question right first moves on; the other sits down. Ask the next two students different questions, and repeat the process until everyone has the chance to answer at least once.

The benefits: Games get everyone involved, and they’re way more interesting than independent review. Preparing a complicated Jeopardy! game might be nice every once in a while, but it’s absolutely not necessary. Keep it simple and have some fun!