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THE PRACTICE: Active Teaching Methods - Instruction is designed to promote student engagement by requiring that students play an active role in crafting curriculum and developing learning activities.


Content Presented By:
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What is it?

Active teaching methods require teachers to shift their practice from the traditional teacher-centered format to one in which students are empowered to direct their own learning.

One example of active pedagogy, the inquiry-based curriculum, encourages students to work together on content which is socially and culturally relevant to them. Questions, activities and actions, which extend to parents and community, are consistent with ways in which students have been socialized to learn outside of school and link directly to real life issues.

Questions to Think About

  • What are some proven effective ways for teachers to learn about their students' cultural backgrounds and experiences?

  • How can teachers learn about their students' languages? Do they have to take courses in every language represented in their classrooms?

  • How can teachers receive feedback from new students who are experiencing a "silent period"?