Active learning strategies
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Try active learning strategies
It’s easy to sit and watch (online) classes without getting involved.
But, of course, that’s not how you get the most out of your courses. You have to spend your study time efficiently, and that is active.
Treat your online class just as you would an on-campus class!
This is how you do that:
- Read through the study material (e.g., slides, textbook, articles) beforehand and decide which parts to focus on extra during the lecture.
Learn more about previewing your study material (website) - Take notes while attending the lecture
Taking notes benefits your focus and helps you remember important subject matter
Learn how to take notes effectively (website) - Participate in online discussions and forums
Ask questions, exchange ideas, share perspectives and learn from peers
Strategies for live online classes
Participate in live sessions
Attend online synchronous lectures and working sessions as much as possible to engage with instructors and peers in real-time
- Some guidelines for attending online classes (video, 10’)
- Check here how to boost your attention during live online classes (website)
- An overview of the most essential tips during live online classes (infographic)
Strategies for recorded lectures
- Don’t waste time reviewing or writing lecture notes by pausing the recording. Just write down the key information and core concepts while you listen
Only rewind the lecture if you don’t understand a specific part - For each topic, note the timestamps where particular issues are discussed so you can easily fast-forward to the sections you want to review
- Listening to recorded lectures can take more time and energy than attending a physical class. The Pomodoro technique can help you keep focus. It establishes a rhythm of 25 minutes of focused study time, followed by a 5-minute break.
Check how the Pomodoro technique works (website)
- A summary of the most essential tips about learning from recorded videos (video, 5’)
- A 6-step guide on how to use recorded lectures efficiently (infographic)
- Learn how to make notes from recorded lectures (website)
Bring variety to your study method
Don't do the same learning activity all day. Alternate reading your textbook with doing exercises or turning to another subject.