What is an essential component of active learning?

Engaging in discussions and reflections is a fundamental aspect of active learning. This approach emphasizes participation and interaction, allowing learners to actively process information rather than passively absorbing it. When students engage in discussions, they can articulate their thoughts, clarify their understanding, and synthesize new ideas based on different perspectives shared during these interactions.

Reflections provide an opportunity for deeper thinking about what has been learned, fostering connections to prior knowledge and experiences. This promotes a more meaningful understanding of the material, as students consider how it applies to real-world contexts or their own lives. Such involvement not only enhances retention but also builds critical thinking skills, making learners more adept at applying knowledge in various situations.

In contrast, passive reading, memorization for tests, and listening to lectures without questions may lead to a superficial understanding of the material because these methods do not actively engage the learner in the process.