Active learning is an ever-present topic in teaching and learning, shown to improve student learning (Freeman et al., 2014). MRU signals to the importance of active learning by considering it one of the aspects professors are assessed in their tenure process. Nevertheless, active learning is much more than just adding activities to an otherwise unidirectional teaching practice. In this session series, we will dive deeper into exploring what makes active learning an effective approach to facilitating student learning.

In session one, we will define active learning, evaluate it as a teaching strategy, and explore its benefits and challenges. During the second session, participants will list and experience different active learning strategies, creating a repository of strategies suitable to various learning environments. Session three will invite participants to reflect on how these active learning strategies can be incorporated into their own teaching contexts. In the final session, we will discuss the concept of resistance to learning, and how instructors and students can overcome this barrier in order to create an environment that is conducive to active learning. We will also discuss next steps about the active learning initiative.

**Registration is for the full series, so please be prepared to attend all four sessions.

Session 1: Overview to Active Learning (Wednesday, January 26, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)

Session 2: Active Learning Strategies (Wednesday, February 02, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)

Session 3: Applying Active Learning Strategies (Wednesday, February 09, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)

Session 4: Closing the Circle (Wednesday, February 16, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)

Facilitator(s): Luciano Santos and John Cheeseman