Active and cooperative learning methods represent a paradigm shift in the delivery of engineering education. These techniques recognize that the passive model of the typical college lecture does not work for many students. Instead, active and cooperative learning focuses on the premise that students learn best by doing and working with each other. This paper presents background information on active and cooperative learning techniques at a practical level for immediate incorporation into simulation education. Tips and examples for how to transform a standard lecture into a cooperative exercise are given and the author’s experiences with these techniques are detailed.
Manuel D. Rossetti