As instructors look to improve their courses to foster student success, it is often difficult to know how to start. For active learning, attending a Summer Institute (or the upcoming National Math Summit) is a great start. Faculty also can learn a lot from visiting each other's classrooms and observing active learning in action. A site visit to another college that has experience can be life changing. Also having the right tools to discuss the methods or style of engagement that happen in an active classroom is vital. The Observation Protocol for Active Learning (OPAL) is that tool.
What methods or tools have you found that have helped you transition your usage and implementation of active learning in your classroom? In your department? At your college?
If you have not implemented active learning, but would like to, what resources would you like to see AMATYC provide?
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Scot Pruyn
Mathematics Faculty & Learning Center Coordinator
Clackamas Community College
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