Active Learning

Active Learning

Date: 13 January 2009 (Tuesday)
Speaker: Dr. Spencer A. Benson (Fulbright Scholar, The University of Hong Kong)

Dr. Spencer A. Benson, the speaker of this session, is the director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Maryland and a professor in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. He has been involved in science teaching and learning for more than a decade and has published numerous articles on teaching and learning. Dr. Benson is currently a visiting Fulbright Scholar at the University of Hong Kong and member of the Fulbright HK General Education Program.

According to Dr. Benson, learning is a biological process that involves both physiological and neurological changes. As James Zull points out in his book “The Art of Changing the Brain” learning occurs best when it is an active process that involves multiple and varied inputs.  This interactive session will focus on the science of learning from a teacher’s perspective.  In the session we will discuss; how to facilitate active learning, how technology can be used to facilitate student learning, and address the question can less be more?

In this session, Dr. Benson will provide an overview on current understanding of how students learn, demonstrate several ways technology can be used to enhance student engagement and learning, and lead a discussion on what it means to learn something.

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