Escape Rooms Escape Rooms are immersive, game-based learning experiences where learners collaboratively solve puzzles and complete tasks under time constraints to achieve a specific goal—often to “escape” a scenario. These can be physical, digital, or hybrid environments. Alternative/linked methods: Digital Escape…
Workshops Workshops are structured, interactive learning sessions that engage students in collaborative, purposeful tasks to explore complex ideas, solve problems, and develop skills. Alternative/linked methods: Seminars, Studios, Labs, Clinics, Hackathons, Bootcamps Why? How? When? Get Started Digital Enhancement Resources
Studio Teaching Studio teaching is an approach that replaces the standard lecture format with a more interactive, student-centred learning environment. It emphasizes collaborative and cooperative learning, with students working in groups on projects and activities. Alternative/linked methods: SCALE-UP (Student-Centred Active Learning…
Role-Playing Role-playing is an experiential learning technique where participants assume specific roles to act out scenarios. This method is used to explore various situations and practice skills in a simulated environment. Alternative/linked methods: Simulation, Scenario-based learning, Experiential learning Why? How? When?…
Problem-Based Learning Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centred approach where learners solve complex, real-world problems in small groups, guided by a facilitator. Alternative/linked methods: Project-Based Learning (PjBL), Case-Based Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Scenario-Based Learning Why? How? When? Get Started Digital Enhancement Resources
Peer/Group Assessment Peer and group assessment are active learning strategies where students evaluate and provide feedback on each other’s work, either individually (peer) or collaboratively (group). These methods can be formative or summative, and are widely used in higher education…
Online Office Hours Online Office Hours are scheduled virtual sessions where instructors meet with students individually or in groups, providing academic support and personal connection. Alternative/linked methods: Connection Hours, Student Hours, Virtual Drop-In Hours, Learning Hours, Instructor Chat Time Why? How? When? Get Started Digital…
Laboratory Work Laboratory work is a core active learning method in HE, offering students hands-on experience with scientific concepts, tools, and techniques. Modern approaches enhance traditional labs with open-ended inquiry, digital video guides, e-learning modules, and collaborative problem-solving. Alternative/linked methods: Lab-in-a-Box,…
Jigsaw Discussion The Jigsaw Discussion is a structured cooperative learning strategy where students become “experts” in one part of a topic and then teach it to their peers. It promotes active, student-centred learning and is effective when content can be…
Interactive Lecture An Interactive Lecture is a hybrid teaching method that integrates traditional lecture delivery with active learning strategies. It involves breaking up the lecture with purposeful, student-centred activities—such as discussions, problem-solving, or reflective writing—that promote cognitive engagement and deeper…
