Master Teaching Initiative
Master Teacher Tip of the Week 3 Fall 2007
The Institute for Teaching and Learning
Using PowerPoint to Promote Active Learning
By Sandy Chapman
Articles such as "PowerPoint is Evil,” "PowerPoint Induced Sleep," and other such writings on the popular presentation software have given some to believe that the use of PowerPoint may do more to promote unconsciousness than active learning. But some feel differently about the tool.
In an article entitled "Effective Handouts: Using PowerPoint to Guide Study and Encourage Active Preparation," the authors suggest PowerPoint handouts provide a scaffold for identifying and learning key concepts. The article gives graphic examples given before, during, and after class that both help students focus and that promote active learning strategies—one of which includes leaving blanks in the PowerPoint handouts that students are required to fill in either before class or while following along during an in-class presentation.
To read this article, go to: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/tutorials/powerpoint In the side bar menu you will find links to short video workshops, examples of Active Lecturing, Active Learning Strategies, Formative Assessment, Games in PowerPoint, Effective Handouts along with a comprehensive list of PowerPoint resources.
Source: "Active Learning with PowerPoint: Effective Handouts: Using PowerPoint to Guide Study and Encourage Active Preparation." Published online by the University of Minnesota, Center for Learning and Teaching, Online Workshops and Tutorials. Copyright 2006, Regents of the University of Minnesota.
About the Institute for Learning and Teaching and the Master Teacher Initiative: The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) was established in 2006 to enhance teaching and learning at Colorado State University. We offer professional development programs and activities provide funding and support for research on learning and teaching, offer colloquia on the scholarship of teaching and learning, and promote collaboration within and across disciplines. Visit us on the Web at http://tilt.colostate.edu, or contact us at (970) 491‐3132 or TILT@ColoState.edu.
The Master Teacher Initiative (MTI) is a University‐wide program to enhance the quality of teaching within CSU's colleges and libraries. You can visit the MTI home page at http://tilt.colostate.edu/mti/.
In Brief: This tip gives suggestions on how to use PowerPoint to engage students more actively.
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Good Teaching Methods: Balancing the Abstract with the Concrete
Stop it! You’re Killing Me! Retooling Your Lecture
Teaching Teamwork Skills
