In recent years, educators have arrived at a more complete understanding of the learning process. We now understand that the more deeply and elaborately new information is processed by students, the greater the likelihood of significant learning. This highly interactive, full- or half-day workshop supports faculty as they translate contemporary learning research into instructional practice appropriate for a variety of content disciplines.

Participants are provided the opportunity to explore research bases developed by Johnson & Johnson (cooperative group work), Brookfield (adult learners), Brookfield and Preskill (community building, conversation), and Neisser (information processing model). A number of instructional strategies, grounded in research, engage faculty throughout this workshop. Complete details and bibliographic information are provided for the strategies and research bases introduced in this workshop.

Items covered included:

• Why consider active learning as an instructional tool? - Listening Teams (#28)
• What are the concerns about using active learning? - Post-it™ Exchange (#34)
• What strategies can actively engage students? – Think-Pair-Share (#54)
• How can lectures be made more effective? – Anticipation Guide (#12)
• How can student involvement be increased in laboratory experiences? – Walk and Talk (#35)
• How can students better understand content area text? – Whip Around, Pass Option (#46)