Learning activities are essential components of effective teaching, designed to actively engage students in the learning process and help them achieve course learning outcomes. These activities promote a deeper understanding of course content, encourage skill development, and foster critical thinking and collaboration.
Purpose of Learning Activities
Learning activities are designed to:
- Facilitate the application of course concepts in meaningful ways.
- Support a variety of learning styles and preferences.
- Engage students actively in their own learning journey.
- Develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
Types of Learning Activities
- Lectures
- Instructor-led verbal presentations, often supplemented with slides or visual aids, to explain key concepts.
- Guest Speaker(s)
- Industry professionals or subject matter experts share insights, experiences, and knowledge with students.
- Class Discussions
- Interactive sessions where students share ideas, ask questions, and critically engage with course content.
- Community Volunteer Work
- Students engage in service-oriented activities within the community, applying course concepts and developing civic responsibility.
- Labs
- Hands-on sessions where students conduct experiments or practice techniques in a controlled environment.
- Reflective Writing
- Students analyze and connect their learning experiences to personal and professional growth.
- Group Work
- Collaborative tasks where students work together to complete projects, solve problems, or discuss topics.
- Clinical Portfolios
- Collections of student work showcasing skills, experiences, and competencies in clinical or applied settings.
- Research
- Students investigate topics, gather and analyze data, and synthesize information to deepen understanding.
- Acute Care Skill Building
- Training in healthcare-related skills focused on addressing urgent or critical patient needs.
- Field Work
- Experiential learning outside the classroom in real-world settings.
- Scenario Testing
- Simulations requiring students to demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Self-Directed Learning
- Students set learning goals and explore resources independently.
- Physical Fitness Training
- Activities to improve physical health, strength, and endurance, linked to wellness or kinesiology objectives.
- Presentations
- Students prepare and deliver spoken or multimedia presentations on course topics.
- Physical Activity
- Movement-based learning activities that incorporate fitness or practical application.
- Role-Playing Activities
- Simulated exercises where students assume roles to practice communication, problem-solving, or job-related skills.
- In-Class Exercises
- Short, focused activities during class that reinforce learning and encourage participation.
- Field Trip(s)
- Off-site visits to locations relevant to the course for experiential learning.
- Small Group Instruction
- Sessions with a limited number of students for more personalized learning.
- One-to-One Instruction
- Individualized teaching where the instructor provides tailored guidance.
- Case Studies
- Analysis of real-world or fictional scenarios to apply course concepts in decision-making.
- eLearning Components
- Digital learning tools such as quizzes, discussion forums, and interactive modules.
- Other (Specify)
- Any additional activity not listed here that enhances student learning.
EXAMPLE: Alien Technology 101
Here are the learning activities that are anticipated to be use used in Alien Technology 101.
☒ | Lectures | ☒ | Guest Speaker(s) |
☒ | Class Discussions | ☐ | Community Volunteer Work |
☐ | Labs | ☒ | Reflective Writing |
☒ | Group Work | ☐ | Clinical Portfolios |
☐ | Research | ☐ | Acute Care Skill Building |
☐ | Field Work | ☒ | Scenario Testing |
☐ | Self-Directed Learning | ☐ | Physical Fitness Training |
☐ | Presentations | ☐ | Physical Activity |
☒ | Role Playing Activities | ☒ | In-Class Exercises |
☐ | Field Trip(s) | ☒ | Small Group Instruction |
☐ | One-to-One Instruction | ☒ | Case Studies |
☐ | eLearning Components | ☐ | Other: specify |
Activating Hyperdrive Learning
Chart your course using the Learning Activities section of the Course Outline Template to craft experiences that prepare students for interstellar success!