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Center for Teaching Excellence

  • Active Learning

Examples of Active Learning Strategies

Case Studies

A case study in an active learning activity where students are asked to review a real-life situation or scenario and explore how they would resolve the issue. Most case studies require students to answer open-ended questions or develop a solution to a problem. The case assignment can be completed individually or in a group.

More information about Case Studies. (Vanderbilt University)

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning allows students to learn through experiences. Students develop knowledge, skills and connections through experiences outside of the classroom. UofSC focuses on experiential learning opportunities in five areas:

  • Community Service / Service Learning
  • Global Learning (e.g., Study Abroad and local cultural opportunities)
  • Internships, Co-ops, and Other Work-based Experiences
  • Peer Leadership
  • Research

Learn more about experiential learning by visiting the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning's Experiential Learning Opportunities and Online Experiential Learning pages.

Four Corners

In the four corners strategy, students are asked to make a decision about a question or problem. An opinion or response is posted in four corners of the classroom. Students express their opinion by standing in front of one of the four statements.

More information about Four Corners. (Baruch College)

Gallery Walk

Gallery Walk is an active learning strategy where groups of students explore artifacts that are placed around the room. Generally, they interact or work with members within their groups to construct knowledge about a topic, content, or concept. Participants share ideas and respond to images, questions, documents or other works.

More information about Gallery Walk. (Carleton College)

Role Play

Role play is a strategy where students are provided a scenario and take on the persona of a character in the situation. Students act out case-based scenarios and examine issues through the lens of the character.

Think-Pair-Share

Think-pair-share is a learning strategy where students work together to solve a problem or answer a question. Students think about the problem or the answer to a question, pair with one or more students to share responses, and then share ideas discussed with the class.

More information about Think-Pair-Share. (Kent State University)


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