Active Learning is an Educational Game-Changer

UGA’s Office of Instruction launches the Active Learning Initiative to help students perform at their best.

UGA has budgeted more than $1 million per year for the cross-campus Active Learning Initiative, supporting evidence-based active learning strategies to improve student outcomes and reduce performance gaps.

Since its inception in 2017, the Active Learning Initiative, led by Leah Carmichael at the University of Georgia, has been dedicated to enhancing learning outcomes through innovative teaching methods across diverse academic disciplines. At its core, Active Learning departs from traditional lecture-based instruction and embraces strategies that cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among students.

The goal is “to create an environment in which our undergraduate students can’t help but encounter active learning somewhere across the curriculum and hopefully many somewheres across their curriculum,” said Meg Mittelstadt, director of UGA’s Center for Teaching and Learning in a recent interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education.

"The overarching goal is to create an environment in which our undergraduate students can’t help but encounter active learning somewhere across the curriculum and hopefully many somewheres across their curriculum."
Meg Mittelstadt, Director of UGA's Teaching Center

UGA is a leader among its peer institutions in active learning

A central objective of the initiative is to expand the use of active learning in undergraduate courses by providing comprehensive training to instructors across the institution. Faculty members participate in development programs that refine their teaching skills and empower them to integrate effective interactive methods into their current curriculum. This investment in instructor development ensures that educators are well prepared to craft engaging and impactful learning experiences for students.

Active learning is focused on preparing students for dynamic experiences both inside and outside the classroom. By incorporating interactive elements into coursework, the initiative fosters student engagement and equips learners with essential skills for lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their educational journey, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

UGA helps professors install active learning in the classroom

Another pivotal aspect, transforming learning spaces throughout campus, is underway through classroom enhancements and infrastructure updates. UGA is creating environments that promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation across campus and throughout disciplines.

The impact of the Active Learning Initiative at UGA has been profound. Faculty members report higher levels of student engagement and deeper comprehension of course material. The initiative has fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in teaching practices university-wide. Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the interactive and stimulating nature of the revamped courses.

Other universities could look to UGA to implement active learning on their campuses

The success of the Active Learning Initiative underscores UGA’s commitment to educational innovation and excellence. By investing in faculty development, resources, and infrastructure, UGA has created an environment where instructors feel empowered to test and practice new teaching approaches.

As UGA continues to integrate active learning across campus, it is being closely watched by other institutions around the country. Several universities have contacted UGA’s Office of Active Learning for support in creating instruction programs, and the active learning team has been invited to present at both national and international conferences.

If the initiative continues to create successful outcomes, it will provide a model for other large universities, ultimately changing the course of teaching and learning in higher education.