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By Jennifer Bland

College graduates become community leaders and leaders in their professions. They take on roles where they make independent decisions and create new solutions. They transform coursework and textbook knowledge into lifelong dreams. Active learning strategies can be an important way to give students practice with the professional roles they’ll take on after graduation.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies 8 critical skills or competencies that employers seek in college graduates: Career & Self Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.

Career & Self Development Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization. Communication Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization. Critical Thinking Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. Equity & Inclusion Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism. Leadership Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. Professionalism Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace. Teamwork Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities. Technology Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals
NACE Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce Poster

Active learning strategies require students to develop content and career skills simultaneously. As students are talking with each other and brainstorming ideas, they improve their communication. As they take into account each other’s perspectives to solve real-world problems and analyze real data, they develop critical thinking. As they work in groups, make presentations, and write blogs they begin to learn teamwork and experience with technology.  Through the process, they learn professionalism and self-development.  

Active learning is one of the high-impact practices that help students to develop a productive relationship with their peers and instructors. When students are given opportunities to connect with a partner or group before sharing with the entire class, they also develop a sense of community and belonging which can lead to more in-depth conversations and more diverse ideas being shared.

Classroom space with chairs and tables on wheels, multiple whiteboards and monitors, and trays of markers on the tables
Active Learning Classroom in the USC Upstate Library

At USC Upstate, students who have taken a class in an active learning classroom have a 12% higher retention and persistence rate than those who haven’t.  Not only are these students staying, but they are also learning the skills they will need to be successful in life. Which student would you hire– a student who describes their educational experiences in terms of exams and papers or a student who gives examples of using design thinking to build new knowledge in teams with their classmates?

The Engaged Pedagogy and Hybrid Course Design Institute prepares faculty to let go of control in the classroom and to allow students to take the reins of their own learning. Even the active learning classroom spaces where they learn look like collaborative workplaces. When you’re ready to start active learning, make an appointment for a consultation with the CAIFS Booking App!

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