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In nursing continuing professional development (NCPD), education delivery methods directly impact learners' comprehension, perceptions of learning, and engagement. Active learning is an impactful method that not only shifts the expectation of learning from a passive and often disengaging approach to an active one that engages the learner but also enhances critical thinking, fosters collaboration, and creates an environment for meaningful, effective education. As the demands of health care and the nursing profession evolve, NCPD opportunities must be developed using innovative, evidence-based methods. This column will explore the definition and benefits of active learning, its role in achieving educational outcomes, and practical strategies for implementation in NCPD programs.
What Is Active Learning?
Active learning is an instructional approach that emphasizes learner participation in the educational process. It shifts the focus from instructor-centered education delivery to educational activities that not only suggest but also require learner involvement (Theobald et al., 2020). As a result, it supports the development of skills and competencies necessary for real-world application, making it a powerful tool for achieving educational outcomes (DesLauriers et al., 2019).
Active learning enhances the learner's experience by creating an interactive environment where participants are invested in learning. Research from DesLauriers et al. (2019) demonstrates that active learning facilitates a deeper understanding of concepts, increasing the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes, including improved grades and test scores. Active learning strategies can incorporate various approaches to learning, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods, all of which technology can enhance. This combination of approaches accommodates diverse learning styles, provides equal opportunities for all learners to succeed, and improves accessibility (Freeman et al., 2014). Active participation naturally boosts students' motivation to learn, as they feel more involved and valued within the educational process. It fosters a collaborative atmosphere, strengthening the sense of community among learners and instructors.
Instructors, speakers, and lecturers can benefit from engaging with learners as it enriches their understanding of diverse perspectives. With active learning, the instructor's role shifts to that of a facilitator through employing deliberate techniques that actively engage students and immerse them in the educational content (Elbanna, n.d.).
Active Learning Versus Engagement Strategies
Active learning strategies represent a stark contrast to traditional passive learning methods. In...