Exploring Active Learning in Meredith Classrooms

In classrooms all around Meredith’s campus, students are engaged in active learning. This is a practice that engages students actively through activities or class discussion rather than having them listen to a lecture. 

Meredith College is currently developing the next iteration of its General Education program, and active learning has been proposed as a common experience. 

Research supports the use of active learning, which emphasizes higher-order thinking, to enhance student learning. For example, active learning has been found to increase student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics.

Director of Faculty Development, Julie Schrock, is part of the Active Learning Work Group, which was created as a resource for faculty. Among its tasks is developing a definition of active learning at Meredith.

“The General Education Committee is working closely with Faculty Development and the working group, and so far, there have been good discussions and substantial support for active learning as the foundation and identity of the new Gen Ed curriculum.  These discussions continue in Academic Council and will then be presented to the full faculty,” said Director of General Education Rebecca Duncan. 

While the General Education development process is still in its early stages, Schrock notes that active learning is not new at Meredith. 

“Many faculty apply active learning techniques in their classes regularly,” Schrock said. “What is new is having active learning as a common experience in the proposed General Education Program. Since it will be assessed as part of this proposed program, it is important that faculty have a clear understanding of the goals and purposes of incorporating active learning in their general education courses.” 

Assessment would include what the students are expected to gain through participation in active learning, and how those gains will be assessed.

Members of the Active Learning Work Group include Schrock, Phillip Andreae, Chelsea Cutright, Jennifer Olson, Caro Perez-Heydrich, Candalyn Rade, and Zach Smith.

This spring, look for additional stories in Campus Connections that spotlight how Meredith faculty have incorporated active learning into their courses.