Active
Learning
Exercises


Samples
of
active
learning
exercises
to
use
in
the

classroom

Compiled
on
January
14,
2010
at
the
Verde
Valley
Adjunct
Faculty
Spring
Assembly




PSY101
Introduction
to
Psychology

Learning
Outcome:
Describe
Maslow's
Hierarchy
of
Needs



Sample
Learning
Exercises:

• Color
code
needs

• Draw
a
picture
representing
each
need

• Pantomime
each
need

• Scavenger
hunt
with
cell
phone
taking
digital
pictures

representing
each
type
of
need

• Interview
random
subjects
about
needs

• Design
a
debate
which
argues
what
needs
should
be
at
the
top

of
the
pyramid



GEO103
Introduction
to
Physical
Geography

Learning
Outcome:
Indentify
the
layers
of
the
earth's
atmosphere



Sample
Learning
Exercises:

• Create
a
YouTube
cartoon
about
the
5
layers.

Divide
the
class
into
5

groups.
Each
group
draws
a
cartoon
about
one
layer,
scans
the

drawings
and
then
assemble
them
all
into
a
Windows
Movie.

• Create
a
rap
song
(mneumonic
device

• Web
quest
about
the
layers

• Panel
discussion
detailing
the
facts
and
characteristics
of
the
5
layers
 

BUS131
Introduction
to
Business

Learning
Outcome:
Compare
and
contrast
the
four
types
of
business

ownership:
Sole
proprietorship,
partnership,
corporation
and
LLC.



Sample
Learning
Exercises:

• Create
4
groups
in
class
and
create
mini
business
plans
for
each
type

• Create
lists
of
types
of
businesses
that
fit
each
type
of
ownership

• Jeopardy‐type
game
of
questions
and
answers
about
the
4
types

• Write
a
case
study
detailing
two
different
businesses
deciding
on

which
type
of
ownership
they
should
use



ENG100
Introductory
Composition

Learning
Outcome:
Discuss
the
process
of
developing
a
thesis
for
a

scholarly
paper.



Sample
Learning
Exercises:

• Brainstorm
about
places
students
can
go
on
the
web
for
ideas
on

scholarly
papers

• Role
play
of
students
developing
a
thesis
statement

• 20
questions
–
Each
group
create
20
sentences
about
thesis

statements,
some
true,
some
not.

Trade
sets
of
sentences
between

groups
and
try
to
figure
out
what
is
true



BIO100
Biology
Concepts

Learning
Outcome:
Identify
the
components
of
a
typical
plant
cell.



Sample
Learning
Exercises:

• Use
clay
to
form
a
3D
plant
cell

• Search
for
images
on
the
web
and
create
a
sort
of
timeline
sequence

of
components
from
outside
in

• Students
form
the
cell
in
a
circle
and
each
student
tells
about
their

function

• Crossword
puzzle
of
components
 HIS132
United
States
History
II

Learning
Outcome:
Discuss
the
Homestead
Act
and
the
impact
that
it
had

on
the
development
of
the
American
West.



Sample
Learning
Exercises:

• Mock
up
map
of
Oklahoma
and
Texas.
Stake
claims
and
add
fences.


Discuss
water
and
subsequent
problems
with
this
type
of
settlement.

• Create
journal
entries
of
pioneers
taking
advantage
of
the
new
law

• Design
a
powerpoint
presentation