Introduction to the Module

The learning objectives of this Module are:

• increase awareness of the importance of active learning in schools;
• learn how to foster cooperation and peer learning in students

Context and definitions

Emerging trends in higher education include a shift from traditional, teacher-oriented teaching towards student-centred learning (SCL) and SCL can be fruitfully exploited in online education. What do SCL teaching and learning approaches include? Active learning, project-based learning,problem-based learning, and learning by research.

One of the possible learning approaches to SCL is peer-to-peer learning. Pee-to-peer activity in learning means resource sharing, active communication, forming learning communities in shared information spaces and building trust and social relationships between peers. The cooperation is supported by the use of computers.

Focus on the learning process

The modern psychological and educational theoretical perspectives are based on the assumption that a learner is an ACTIVE contributor in the individual learning process. In addition, they need support and facilitation to find their capacity and empower themselves as learners. The concept of EMPOWERMENT is ‘a synergistic interaction among individuals, which emphasizes cooperation and leads to expansion of power for the group’ (Herrenkohl, Judson, Heffner. Defining and measuring employee empowerment. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science). The central idea is that learners need to think for themselves and take responsibility for their own learning in collaborative learning situations.

One of the most important learning goals today is to face the vast amount of information. The students are expected to be able to search, process and publish information, and be capable of critically evaluating published work. Which is the most relevant information for the assignment given? Which are the most relevant issues? What have I understood and/or misunderstood? A successful learning process needs critical thinking abilities and ways to evaluate critical thinking.

Empowerment is created and realized by individuals themselves, not given or handed down by someone else. The important psychological processes which lead towards empowerment are self-regulation, self-determination and self-efficacy. What’s more, social learning communities need the promotion of collaboration and knowledge creation in partnership with other learners.

Another essential concept to be taken into account is the idea of MEDIATED ACTIVITY. In mediated learning human interaction is fundamental to the ldearning process. the goal is to get students to monitor and regulate their own learning. teachers. tutors and peer learners are needed to increase students’ understanding and self-criticism that leads to successful learning results.