Active Learning: From Engagement to Achievement

About this course

A professional micro-credential on the science and practice of active learning in higher education. You will examine why active learning works, apply cognitive and motivational principles to activity design, master high-impact strategies from think-pair-share and peer instruction to team-based and case-based learning, adapt them to large, online and diverse classes, and evaluate their impact on student achievement.

Who it is for

Faculty, teaching assistants, programme leaders and learning designers in any discipline, including those teaching large classes.

What you will be able to do

• Explain what active learning is and evaluate the evidence for its effect on achievement and equity
• Apply principles from cognitive science and motivation research to the design of class activities
• Use discussion, peer learning and inquiry strategies with clear structure and accountability
• Design a coherent active learning session that integrates several strategies
• Adapt active learning for large, online and diverse classes inclusively
• Evaluate the impact of active learning and address student and faculty barriers

Course outline

Module 1: The Science of Active Learning

What active learning is, the evidence on achievement and equity, and the cognitive and motivational principles behind it.

Topic 1.1: What Active Learning Is and Why It Works

• Define active learning and distinguish it from passive instruction
• Explain the ICAP framework and use it to classify levels of student engagement
• Evaluate the evidence on active learning's effects on achievement, equity and students' perceptions

Topic 1.2: How Learning Works: Cognitive and Motivational Principles

• Explain how retrieval practice, spacing and elaboration strengthen learning
• Apply cognitive load theory to design manageable, effective activities
• Analyse how motivation, belonging and psychological safety shape participation in active learning

Module 2: High-Impact Active Learning Strategies in Action

Discussion and peer learning strategies, problem-solving and inquiry approaches, and designing an integrated session.

Topic 2.1: Discussion and Peer Learning Strategies

• Apply think-pair-share and structured discussion techniques to deepen reasoning
• Apply peer instruction using conceptual questions and voting
• Apply cooperative learning structures such as jigsaw with positive interdependence and individual accountability

Topic 2.2: Problem-Solving and Inquiry Strategies

• Apply case-based learning, role-play and simulation to develop applied judgement
• Apply POGIL and team-based learning to structure inquiry and team accountability
• Design an integrated active learning session that sequences several strategies coherently

Module 3: From Engagement to Achievement: Scale, Inclusion and Evidence

Active learning in large, online and diverse classes, assessing its impact, and sustaining practice despite barriers.

Topic 3.1: Active Learning at Scale and Across Modalities

• Apply active learning routines that work in large lecture classes
• Apply active learning strategies in online and hybrid environments
• Analyse how course structure and inclusive practices create equitable participation

Topic 3.2: Assessing Impact and Sustaining Practice

• Apply classroom assessment techniques to monitor learning and give timely feedback
• Analyse student resistance and faculty barriers to active learning and select strategies to address them
• Evaluate the impact of active learning using appropriate methods and evidence

How you earn the credential

The course is organised module by module, topic by topic and outcome by outcome. Each of the 18 learning outcomes ends with a Knowledge Check, each of the 6 topics closes with a Skill Checkpoint, and each of the 3 modules closes with a Mastery Milestone. The course ends with the 50-question Capstone Credential Assessment: score 70% or more and your certificate is issued straight away, with a unique ID and a QR code that opens a public verification page. In total the course contains 260 assessment questions.

Credential details

• Level: Postgraduate continuing professional development (learning outcomes comparable to EQF level 7)
• Field: Education: higher education pedagogy and classroom practice
• Prerequisites: None. Most useful if you teach or support a course this year.
• Cost: Free, self-paced and online

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