Which of the following is the BEST example of students engaging in active learning?

Option 1 : Students add their thoughts on a mind map drawn on a blackboard about the different types of work that people do. 

Active learning is a technique of teaching that involves students actively engaged with course material through conversations, problem-solving, role plays, and other ways.

Characteristics of active-learning tasks:

• Active learning tasks help students to interact with the material in a way that encourages creative thinking.
• It encourages students to establish a connection between their existing knowledge and new concepts, allowing them to reflect on their understanding.
• Active learning tasks encourage children to make their ideas explicit which helps teachers to assess students' learning.
• It provides students with the opportunity to have first-hand experience.

Hence, we conclude that students adding their thoughts on a mind map drawn on the blackboard about the different types of work that people do is an example of students engaging in active learning because it encourages children to produce thoughts and reflect on their understanding. While the other 3 activities do not encourage children to express their thoughts and exchange ideas.

Option 1 : Discuss the reasons for differences observed in vehicles after watching a documentary showing vehicles over the years.

Active learning is a type of learning where the child is active and " learning by doing " happens. the teacher just remains as a facilitator assisting the child only when needed otherwise providing him/her more freedom to explore. 

Discussing the reasons for differences observed in vehicles after watching a documentary showing vehicles over the years is the best example of students engaging in active learning because 

• here students will not be alone, they will discuss with the whole class.
• healthy discussion happens where each child keeps his/her ideas forward regarding the given topic.
• each child in the group is given equal chance so that no child remains passive.
• as the discussion moves forward many doubts will be arisen and also be clear in the discussion.
• children also develop the ability to classify as they discuss the differences in vehicles over years.

Hence discussing the reasons for differences observed in vehicles after watching a documentary showing vehicles over the years is the best example of students engaging in active learning.

1.  In pairs, discussing the different types of telephones used in the last 50 years after watching a documentary showing these is a less suitable answer because it is just a discussion on various types of telephones rather than some mind stimulating thoughts leading to active learning.
2. List examples of notable buildings of different architectural styles, after reading about them from the textbook and taking notes from the blackboard about the different types of materials used in constructing buildings involves more of a passive learning.