There are seven key features of an effective active learning exercise.
1. Purpose
The purpose of the activity is explicitly connected to student learning objectives
2. Simplicity
The task and steps are explicit. The activity should be as simple as possible to achieve the outcome, so most of students' working memory is used for learning (rather than figuring out the task).
3. Prior Knowledge
Students have the prerequisite knowledge to achieve the task. This provides a structure (schema) onto which learners can connect new information.
4. Safe Participation
Classroom norms have been established and are reinforced to reduce student fear of judgment.
5. Practicing Recall
The activity provides opportunities for elaboration (esp. explaining 'how' or 'why' things work) and/or retrieval practice (i.e., bringing information to mind from memory), both of which have repeatedly shown to be highly effective in supporting learning.
6. Accountability
Output from the activity should be submitted or otherwise reported on (e.g., a debrief).
7. Feedback
Students receive feedback on how they performed to modify or enhance their understanding of the task.
