Category: Methods
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Impromptu Presentations
Impromptu Presentations are a dynamic learning strategy designed to challenge students to think on their feet and communicate effectively with minimal preparation. This format pushes learners out of their comfort zones, requiring them to organize their thoughts quickly, articulate ideas clearly, and respond confidently to unexpected prompts. Unlike traditional presentations,…
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Case Study Role-Playing
Case Study Role-Playing is an interactive learning strategy that immerses students in real-world or hypothetical scenarios, compelling them to adopt the perspectives of key stakeholders and navigate complex problem-solving processes. Unlike traditional case study analyses—where students passively examine and discuss situations from a distance—this method requires active participation, with learners…
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Think-Pair-Share
Think-Pair-Share is a structured, interactive learning strategy designed to promote deep reflection, peer collaboration, and collective knowledge-building. Originally developed by Frank Lyman (1981) as a method to increase student engagement in discussions, the Think-Pair-Share model unfolds in three phases: individual reflection (Think), small-group dialogue (Pair), and whole-class synthesis (Share). Unlike…
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Relay
A Relay Presentation is a dynamic, interdependent presentation format in which each student or group builds directly upon the contributions of the previous presenter, creating a continuous and evolving discussion. Unlike traditional presentations, where students often prepare isolated sections of content without necessarily engaging with their peers’ work, a Relay…
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Round Robin
The Round Robin (Progressive Presentation) is a structured, sequential format that builds knowledge progressively, fostering collaboration and deep engagement. Instead of presenting isolated ideas, students or groups contribute incrementally, ensuring that each new segment builds upon prior contributions. This structure encourages synthesis, meaningful connections, and the logical extension of discussions.…
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Harkness Discussion
The Harkness Discussion is a student-centered, roundtable discussion method designed to promote equal participation, deep inquiry, and collaborative critical thinking. Originally developed at Phillips Exeter Academy in the 1930s, the Harkness model is based on the premise that students learn best through dialogue and shared exploration rather than passive reception…
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World Café
A World Café discussion is a structured conversational process that promotes collaborative knowledge-building, deep engagement, and the synthesis of diverse perspectives. Originally developed as a method for facilitating large-scale dialogue in business and community settings, the World Café model has been widely adopted in education as an effective strategy for…
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Socratic Seminar
A Socratic Seminar is a structured discussion method that places the responsibility for learning directly on students, requiring them to engage in deep, question-driven conversations rather than passively absorbing information. Rooted in the Socratic method of teaching, this approach is based on the idea that critical thinking is best cultivated…
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Reimagining Student Presentations
Student presentations have long been a staple of higher education, serving as a vehicle for students to demonstrate their understanding, articulate complex ideas, and refine their communication skills. However, traditional presentation formats often rely heavily on lecture-style delivery, which can be passive and monotonous. With the rise of online learning,…
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Fostering Meaningful Engagement in Online Learning
In online learning, meaningful engagement goes beyond having students click through course materials or submit assignments—it’s about fostering connections that inspire curiosity, build community, and empower learners. True engagement happens when your students feel immersed in an experience that challenges them intellectually while supporting them socially and emotionally. Michael G.…
Learn at a Distance 