Seeking Motivation for the Success of Active Learning

Abstract

Some educators and teachers, when seeking to adopt a new pedagogy or technology, neglect to search for motivation. What will motivate the learner to accept and participate in any new method or technology offered by others? Based on personal experience, realistic observations, and literature reviews, we find that many educators and teachers suggest new pedagogy or technology for different purposes without consulting the ultimate beneficiary, who is the learner. Such behavior often creates resistance on the part of learners that negatively affects the desired outcomes.

From the lessons learned, for teachers in higher education (HE) to succeed in introducing or adopting a new pedagogy, such as active learning or modern technology, the learners' opinions must be explored, their points of view recognized, and their involvement in decision-making encouraged. We start by telling them what they should learn (curriculum, objectives, and content), then suggesting new pedagogy and technology and searching for consensus with the majority to get the required motivation. Active learning pedagogy is no exception here.

This chapter contributes to highlighting the importance of motivation for the success of active learning practices. Aiming to encourage educators and teachers to search for motivation before adopting a new project, pedagogy, or technology. This study offers a strategy to guide active learning practices in HE. We expect a positive impact of active learning practices in (HE) when such strategy (i.e., seeking motivation) is not neglected. The content analysis approach was adopted to collect data, and the data was analyzed by Excel. Finally, some recommendations were made.

Citation

Alfelaij, B. and Alfeleej, A. (2023), "Seeking Motivation for the Success of Active Learning", Lytras, M.D. (Ed.) Active and Transformative Learning in STEAM Disciplines (Emerald Studies in Active and Transformative Learning in Higher Education), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 247-258. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-618-420231012