What does the term "active learning" refer to?

The term "active learning" is defined by students engaging in the learning process through various activities and discussions, which encourages participation and collaboration. This approach emphasizes critical thinking and allows learners to apply concepts in real-world contexts, making the learning experience more meaningful and memorable. In an active learning environment, students might work on projects, participate in group discussions, engage in problem-solving, or conduct experiments, all of which promote deeper understanding and retention of information. By interacting with the material, they are more likely to develop skills that will benefit them in their future studies and careers. This approach is highly effective compared to passive models, where students simply receive information without any interaction, which can lead to a superficial understanding of the subject matter.