Chapter 4: Active Learning

Abstract: This chapter focuses upon getting students moving within the classroom. Adolescent students are uncomfortable when forced to sit still throughout an entire class period, thus it is important to get them up and moving during each class. The concept of converting abstract ideas into concrete ideas through movement is an excellent idea. The chapter offers example after example of how students may be actively engaged, whether learning in the classroom or in moving a lesson outside. I feel that I will work to teach as many lessons outside as possible, as this is an excellent way to keep students moving while still conveying the necessary information.

Synthesis: I love the idea of building movement into the classroom. This will not only help students to focus on individual lessons, but to become more actively engaged in the class itself. The chapter suggests having students stand up in class every ten to fifteen minutes, even if it is just to hand in papers or move desks. While I support moving that frequently, I would rather have my students get up and do something more active than merely moving to the front of the classroom for a minute. I liked the idea of having students stand up and converse with a classmate, and I think that this could even be taken a step further by having each student discuss the topic with two students, rotating through the classroom as they discuss.