Active Learning in both in-person and online classes: What works?

There is increasing recognition of the value of active learning approaches such as group work in fostering student engagement, learning, and development of skills for future careers. This masterclass facilitated by Professor Michelle French (University of Toronto) will focus on the best approaches to promote active learning and student collaboration for both in-person and online classes.

Topics covered will include:

  • how best to prepare students for active learning sessions;
  • choosing the right technology;
  • use of case studies to foster interest; and
  • specific considerations for online and large classes.

During the workshop, participants will have opportunities to share their own successes and challenges with active learning in their own teaching. It is expected that participants will leave the masterclass energized with new strategies and approaches to enhance student engagement, enjoyment, collaboration and learning. This Masterclass is relevant for staff across a range of courses and Teaching Programs.

About the facilitator

Michelle French is a Professor, Teaching Stream, and Vice Chair Academic (Undergraduate) in the Department of Physiology at University of Toronto. She recently served as Special Adviser to the Dean on Innovation in Undergraduate Education in the Faculty of Medicine. Over the past 22 years, she has taught university courses in the life sciences and scientific communication to classes ranging from 30 to 1500 students. Michelle holds a BSc and an MSc from U of T and a PhD in physiology from Western University. Her post-doctoral studies were conducted at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research in Melbourne and at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Her research focusses on strategies to improve student engagement and learning and methods to develop transferrable skills. Michelle is the recipient of 11 teaching awards including an Excellence in Life Sciences Award: Undergraduate Teaching from the Faculty of Medicine and a President’s Teaching Award from University of Toronto.

Date: Tuesday, 14 March
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm (ACDT)
Location: Flinders Medical Centre, Collaborative Teaching Space (5E305, formerly called Lecture Theatre 3) and via Videoconference
Register: https://ienrol.flinders.edu.au/index.php/course/CMPHA
(Note, a FAN and password is required to register. If you do not have a FAN please contact the Clinician Support Team for assistance.)

Posted in
Professional Development