Passive Learning Equates Limited Learning

Passive learning equates limited learning. That simple!

What is passive learning? It is the process by which students will receive information or knowledge from a teacher or instructor without input, participation or feedback. The best example of passive learning comes from the campuses of higher education.  Think of the traditional lecture hall. A professor, the holder of all knowledge, stands at the front of a large lecture hall and distributes his wisdom.

Active learning is quite different from this model. Active learning demands feedback. It needs attention and participation. This model of active learning will promote and develop critical thinking skills that are not developed when using passive learning.

Some examples of active learning are:

• Case studies
• Annotated reading
• Learning journals
• Reflective learning
• Brainstorming
• Discussion
• Debates
• Peer reviews

Active learning activities can also be divided into size -individual, small group and even large group.

Does passive learning serve a purpose? Can it be effective? It can be!

There are situations in which passive learning is a viable option for instructors. It is the best option when attempting to cover a large amount of information quickly. It allows a teacher to share information that may not be published or available yet. It also allows the instructor to develop instructional materials and to prepare in advance. The instructor knows what to expect whereas in many situations, active learning options may be more unpredictable. Passive learning is also a good option when there are many students who need to know the information.

Remember that if you choose to use passive learning for disseminate information quickly that you should follow it up with active learning experiences. Why? Because the retention level of information from passive learning is low. Very low. “Studies have shown that the amount of information retained after a learning event decreases rapidly if not quickly applied and practiced” (umb).

How do you avoid passive learning? Even if you must use a traditional passive means for teaching, recall that you can simply add probing questions to generate thought processes. Questions can not only promote deeper learning, but they can also pull the students back to the topic. Remember that just if you must use passive learning, you do not need to be bland about it. You can create an engaging passive learning environment.

Sources:

UMB. (2014). Active Learning to Enhance Retention. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts Boston.

By Tracy Atkinson

Tracy Atkinson, mother of six, lives in the Southwest with her husband and spirited long-haired miniature dachshunds. She is a teacher, having taught elementary school to higher education, holding degrees in elementary education and an EDS in higher education. Her passion is researching, studying and investigating the attributes related to self-directed learners and learning styles. She has published several titles, including MBTI Learning Styles: A Practical Approach, The Art of Learning Journals, Calais: The Annals of the Hidden, Lemosa: The Annals of the Hidden, Book Two, Rachel’s 8 and Securing Your Tent. She is currently working on a non-fiction text exploring the attributes of self-directed learners: The Five Characteristics of Self-directed Learners.