The Active Learning Initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our teaching and learning practices at KFUPM. This initiative requests that instructors at KFUPM replalce lecture with active learning methods and strategies in 100% of their class time.

What is Active Learning?

Active learning is a teaching approach that involves engaging students in meaningful and interactive activities that require them to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively, rather than passively listening to lectures or reading texts. It allows students to construct their understanding of the course content, rather than simply memorizing facts or reproducing information. Active learning could take the form of group work, in-class debates, concept mapping, role play, and many other instructional approaches. Read More About Active Learn Here

Requirements

To successfully participate in the Active Learning Initiative, faculty members are required to develop and implement either an “Active” or “Creative” course. The following are the definitions of “Active” or “Creative” courses:

Active Course

A course is said to be “Active” if at least 50% of the course’s class sessions (instructional hours) use active learning strategies 100% of the class time. For example, in a course with 45 class sessions, at least 23 class periods must implement active learning strategies for 100% of the class time.

Creative Course

A course is said to be “Creative” if 100% of the course’s class sessions (instructional hours) use active learning strategies 100% of the class time. For example, in a course with 45 class sessions, 45 class periods must implement active learning strategies for 100% of the class time.

Benefits for Faculty members

All faculty members who successfully participated in the Active Learning Initiative by developing and implementing of either an “Active” or a “Creative” course will have points added to the “T2” category of their faculty evaluations and be eligible for applying for post-graduate certificates in teaching and online graduate degrees with an emphasis on teaching/pedagogy.

Eligibility

The Active Learning Initiative is open to all instructors (Teaching Faculty Members) at KFUPM and post docs.

To participate (Designation of Courses as Active or Creative)

• Interested Faculty members are encouraged to contact their department chairman to indicate interest.
• Submit Active learning syllabus to their chairman (see template link below)
• Submit Lesson Plan to their chairman (see template link below)

Available Support

We understand that adapting to this new approach may require support and resources. Hence, the following has been provided:

• Syllabus and Lesson Plan Template, and Lesson Plan Example for faculty
• On-going training workshops and seminars about active learning will be scheduled from time to time.
• A special experience-sharing forum will be announced periodically where faculty members will share their experiences in implementing active learning in their classrooms.
• Getting Started with Active Learning
• Need to purchase books, supplies, or software for your teaching? Apply here

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to excellence in teaching and learning at KFUPM.

Teaching and Learning Center

Building 68, Room 335

Tel: 013 860 1558

Email: tlc@kfupm.edu.sa