Is Active Learning = Better Learning?

In the article, Brain-Based Teaching: Does It Really Work? by Christie F. Calhoun (2012), whole brain learning is the focus. Calhoun brings in many different resources to support her ideas. Research shows that having students using both sides of their brain during learning activities in the classroom as an effective way of teaching. Calhoun is far from the only author to believe this to be true though.

Slate and Charlesworth also agree with fully engaging that student within the lesson to promote better student learning in their article, Information Processing Theory: Classroom Applications (1988). Again, this article states that going beyond the standard lecture and engaging students in classroom discussions or activities such as reteaching, or hands-on projects help produce better learning. 

While both articles are years apart in their writing, they get across the same idea: Different people learn differently and in order to get to all learners and to enhance learning, teachers need to go beyond the standard in the classroom and truly engage students in their learning. This is where the best learning will take place. Each article gives different suggestions in how to go about doing this which would be beneficial for Instructional Designers when planning their lessons for training. Let students take control of their own learning, this will lead to better understanding. 

References:
Calhoun, C.F. (2012). Brain-based learning: Does it really work?. ERIC - Education Resources Information Center. Retrieved January 19, 2014, from http://eric.ed.gov/

Slate, J. R., & Charlesworth, J. R. (1988). Information process theory: Classroom applications. ERIC - Education Resources Information Center. Retrieved January 19, 2014, from http://eric.ed.gov/