As I was reading my daily fill of articles that make their way into my news feed I noticed this one. The article describes Carl Wieman’s thoughts and positions on the current postgraduate teaching in the US. Wieman relates the current system to the historical medical treatment of bloodletting; an out of date, blunt treatment / practice.

Wieman is a strong advocate for a style of teaching known commonly as ‘active learning’. A evidence-based approach to teaching whereby students are engaged through problem solving.

As Wieman put it; he sees himself as a cognitive coach rather than a ‘sage on the stage’.

It is such an interesting position, something I must say I agree with. Universities need to keep a strong handle on building research, no quarrels here. However, investing in a better and more appropriate way of disseminating knowledge seems critically important. For so many reasons. It seems that we have an education system largely geared to producing spoon-fed learners who want to apply knowledge rather than add to the knowledge pile. This has to change. Knowing how to apply knowledge is a mandatory skill, sure, but building on top of existing knowledge is of crucial importance. Something Wieman demonstrates with his students daily.

Teaching and learning in higher education needs to change. We need to focus more on teaching active learning rather than merely instruction.

This quote sums it up…

“The large lecture, and racing through the material, does not allow you to slow down to see the beauty of what you are learning.”

Totally agree with Wieman and he is someone I will follow closely in future. I can’t help but consider how we integrate active learning into our classrooms (digital and bricks & mortar) at Advantage Learn.