2 of 24

Write now Article Tools

Since I'm an online, non-traditional, senior citizen student, my experience with active and passive students has been a bit different from some people's in recent years. I do recall my high school days when nobody ever heard a peep out of the more passive students, and when they were called on by the teacher, they usually had no answers. These students were uninvolved with the learning process and sometimes seemed to prefer being quiet. They spent time in the classroom because they had to, but very little actual learning was going on. They were "passively passing up" the opportunity to engage themselves in the learning process.

By contrast, active students were fully involved and participatory. Their excitement about the material was evident. They had overcome whatever inhibitions may have existed that would have played a role keeping them passive in the classroom, and had really done their homework. They were not afraid to ask questions to gain more understanding. By completing both reading and writing assignments, they had gained enough information and confidence to participate in discussions and classroom activities. Proper management of their time allowed them to complete their assignments on time, so they had confidence that they could participate successfully.

Online, it is really not a much different situation. The students who are active in the virtual classroom have obviously done their homework and learned the material. Their message board posts for discussion questions are well-written and thoughtful. They complete their assignments early in week, and it is apparent that they are giving their best effort. Many times, they've researched a subject for even more information than can be obtained from the text books alone. They not only ask questions of the instructor, but they question the views and opinions of their fellow classmates.

The online students who turn in assignments just under the wire and sometimes late have usually procrastinated. It is also apparent that their class discussions are lacking substance or have not been thoroughly researched. Many times, their answers are biased, uninformed, or simply wrong. After the first or second week, these students begin to stand out - not for their achievements, but for their passivity and apathy toward the subject.

Becoming an active student, whether in a high school classroom, on a college campus, or in the online environment involves total involvement with the rest of the class, with the educational materials, and with the teacher or instructor through questioning and discussion. It requires dedication to the process of learning and the desire to become a contributing presence among the group. It means completing assignments and doing the best work possible. The self-confidence gained from actually learning the material will go a long way to help a student transition from being passive to active in the classroom.

Learn more about this author, G. Allendorfer Anderson, PhD.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Becoming an active rather than a passive student?
We want to hear your view. Write now!