Active Learning: Case Studies, Problem-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, and Cooperative Learning

This is a practical workshop focused on four instructional methodologies related to dynamic, interactive, and socializing learning. It is designed for educators seeking to enhance student engagement and promote active, student-centered learning in their courses. Throughout the workshop, the participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of four key instructional methodologies; case studies, problem-based learning, project-based learning, and cooperative learning. Study of the similarities and differences between the models presented. Design of social learning experiences with the models presented to put them into practice in real learning experiences. By studying these approaches, the participant will learn how to create meaningful real-world learning experiences that foster critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of four active instructional methodologies: Case Studies, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning, and Cooperative Learning.
• Learn how to develop and integrate Case Studies into the course to encourage critical thinking, decision-making, and real-world application.
• Explore methods for designing PBL activities that promote student inquiry, problem-solving, and independent research.
• Discover techniques for planning and managing Project-Based Learning projects that foster creativity, collaboration, and understanding.
• Understand how to structure Cooperative Learning activities to promote teamwork, peer-to-peer learning, and communication.
• Learn how to select, combine, and balance these instructional methodologies within the courses to accommodate diverse learning styles needs.
• Identify common challenges educators face when implementing these teaching methods and explore practical solutions.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Gain a thorough understanding of Case Studies, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning and Cooperative Learning, including its principles, benefits, and applications.
• Learn how to integrate Case Studies, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning, and Cooperative Learning into a cohesive and balanced teaching approach that will promote critical thinking and real-world application.
• Develop the skills to design and facilitate PLB activities that encourage inquiry, research, and problem-solving.
• Understand how to design Project-Based Learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, and understanding of subject matter.
• Learn to effectively structure and facilitate Cooperative Learning activities that promote teamwork, communication, and peer-to-peer learning.
• Gain insights into effective assessment and feedback methods tailored to each active learning approach, including peer and self-assessment.

Service Deliverables

1. Comprehensive workshop curriculum with clearly defined modules with specific learning objectives and outcomes.
2. Guidance through the workshop from expert instructors to ensure the learning experience.
3. Access to a collection of ready-to-use case studies that participants can adapt to use in their classrooms.
4. Access to a comprehensive database of teaching resources.
5. Tasks, activities, and projects that allow participants to apply what they have learned in practical settings.
6. Access to expert instructors for questions and feedback.
7. A collection of supplementary reading resources such as articles, guides, and templates to enhance learning and application.
8. Assessment and feedback to evaluate participant’s progress.
9. Synchronous sessions with Q&A sessions where participants can interact with instructors and discuss course material.
10. Ongoing access to workshop material for a set period after its conclusion for review and reinforcement.
11. Tools for collecting participants feedback to assess workshop quality and identify areas of opportunity.
12. Certificates of Continued Education with contact hours and digital badges for participants that successfully complete the workshop.

Service Duration

Eight-week workshop, divided into four modules, each spanning two weeks, allows participants to delve deeply into each module’s content while assuring a well-balanced and organized learning experience. Over the duration of the workshop, participants are expected to engage in a minimum of 24 hours of coursework, plus 4 contact hours synchronously, providing reasonable time to cover the material and apply new strategies effectively.

The topics for each module recommended are the following:

• Module 1 – Foundations of Active Learning
  • Week 1 – Introduction to Active Learning
  • Week 2 – Designing and implementing Case Studies
• Module 2 – Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
  • Week 3 – Principles of Problem-Based Learning
  • Week 4 – Designing and implementing Problem-Based Learning
• Module 3 – Project-Based Learning
  • Week 5 – Introduction to Project-Based Learning
  • Week 6 – Designing and implementing Project-Based Learning
• Module 4 – Cooperative Learning
  • Week 7 – Fundamentals of Cooperative Learning
  • Week 8 – Designing and implementing Cooperative Learning

Contact Hours

Eight-week course/workshop, divided into four modules, each spanning two weeks, allows participants to delve deeply into each module’s content while assuring a well-balanced and organized learning experience. Over the duration of the course/workshop, participants are expected to engage in a minimum of 24 hours of coursework, providing ample time to cover the material and apply new strategies effectively, plus 4 contact hours synchronous for a total of 28 contact hours.

Capacity

Cohorts of 25 or less individual participants

Assumptions

Service provider caps to ensure a high-quality experience for participants include the following:

1. Instructor-to-participant ratio 1:25 to ensure personalized attention, effective support, and timely feedback.
2. Schedule 60-minute sessions every other week.
3. At the start of each module, the instructor will communicate their availability for responding to participants’ inquiries.
4. The workshop will be delivered using HETS’ Blackboard platform, a comprehensive learning management system that provides a range of tools and features to enhance the learning experience.
5. Technical support available to ensure timely assistance for instructors and participants.

Participants will need to have access to the following materials and equipment to fully engage with the course content:

1. Reliable Internet connection
2. Computer or tablet with updated software and hardware capabilities to ensure access to course content and activities
3. Webcam and microphone
4. Headphones or earbuds
5. Note-taking supplies, for digital or physical note-taking
6. Up-to-date web browser
7. Digital communication tools, such as email for interacting with instructors and peers

Prerequisites for participants:

1. Basic proficiency in using digital tools and navigation online platforms.
2. Ideally participants should have some teaching experience but not essential.
3. Access to technology, Internet, and appropriate devices