Active Learning Institute
The next Active Learning Institute will be during Summer 2025. Registration will open at a later date. Space is limited to the first 32 faculty.
The Summer 2025 Active Learning Institute (ALI) is an immersive 3-session professional development offering designed to help faculty enhance their courses with engaging, evidence-based active learning strategies. The ALI offers participants the chance to dive deep into key topics such as aligning course goals with active learning activities, designing impactful assignments, effectively incorporating technology into lesson plans, and more.
Through interactive sessions, faculty will gain practical tips and experience in applying active learning strategies that address the needs of their courses. This will also be a unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse disciplines, share insights, and become part of a vibrant pedagogical learning community that is committed to continuous improvement and student success. Please note that the ALI is currently open to faculty only.
By participating, faculty will:
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Refine their teaching with active learning techniques that foster deeper student engagement and retention.
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Design innovative, student-centered courses that align with both educational goals and evidence-based teaching practices.
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Gain hands-on experience with integrating technology and tools that can enhance classroom interaction and student success.
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Collaborate across disciplines to gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for teaching, while being part of a supportive learning community.
Passing the optional classroom observation earns faculty the Certificate of Engaged Instruction as well as placement on the preferential scheduling list for reserving Active Learning Classrooms. As of Fall 2024, successful completion of the ALI also earns faculty the Certificate in Course Design.
Whether you’re new to active learning or looking to refine your strategies, the ALI is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to create more dynamic, student-centered courses. Plus, there will be food!
For Summer 2025, we will meet in AIRB 1030 from 10:00am-4:00pm on July 7th, 9th, and 11th.
What will I learn in the Active Learning Institute and when?
Participants in the ALI will:
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- …review the literature underlying evidence-based practices;
- …participate in, analyze, and discuss active learning pedagogical strategies;
- …apply evidence-based practices in lesson design development;
- …present sample active learning strategies and receive feedback in a supportive collegial atmosphere;
- …complete the first step towards certification to teach in designated active learning classrooms.
The ALI has two parts: the first part is the preparation stage when participants are (re-)designing their curricula to integrate active/collaborative strategies; the second part takes place when the instructor is actually applying the strategies in the classroom. During the second part, participants will be observed and given feedback on their implementation. Successful completion of both parts provides the participant with their certification for preferential scheduling in Active Learning Classrooms.
Why have an Active Learning Institute?
Internationally, colleges and universities have been adopting student-centered pedagogies such as active/collaborative learning. Bolstered by the evidence-based research, UC Irvine’s strategic plan has specifically called for more engaged instruction and learning; the campus has also invested in it by renovating existing classrooms, such as SE 101, AIRB 1030, and PSCB 140; in addition, UC Irvine is building new active learning spaces such as those in the new Anteater Learning Pavilion.
How can I schedule a class in an Active Learning Classroom?
Faculty who have demonstrated a commitment to using active/collaborative teaching strategies will have priority access to active learning classrooms such as PSCB 140, SSL 270, and all classrooms in the Anteater Learning Pavillion. Successful completion of both parts of the Active Learning Institute will certify faculty to use these rooms.
What if I already use Active Learning/Collaborative Learning Strategies?
Those faculty who have already been using active learning methods and strategies can apply to be certified through a consultation and observation by contacting Matthew Mahavongtrakul at mmahavon@uci.edu or completing this consultation request form.
Questions? Please contact Matthew Mahavongtrakul at mmahavon@uci.edu. If you would like to keep in touch and receive email opportunities and additional resources, please fill out this form.