An Introduction to Active Learning

Call for Participation

Course title: An Introduction to Active Learning
Date: July 10, 2025 Time: 12:00–14:00 CET (Online – synchronous)
Organized by: “Constantin Brâncuși” University of Târgu-Jiu, Romania
Deadline for registration: July 9, 2025 A certificate of attendance will be provided.

1. Objectives of the Call

This ALES course is part of the ACE2-EU Alliance’s joint effort to strengthen innovation in university teaching, with a focus on learner engagement, inclusivity, and digital transformation. The course supports academic staff and digital learning professionals in applying active learning principles across various educational settings — online, hybrid, and in-person.

2. Course Description

An Introduction to Active Learning is an interactive, 2-hour online session designed to:

• Introduce the pedagogical foundations of active learning.
• Demonstrate inclusive strategies (UDL) and practical digital tools (e.g., Padlet, MS Teams).
• Offer a hands-on group activity in breakout rooms.
• Foster reflection on teaching practices and potential for curriculum enhancement in ACE2-EU programs.

3. Target Group

• University teaching staff involved in digital, hybrid, or blended teaching formats (COILs, MOOCs, BIPs, joint degrees).
• Instructional designers, e-learning coordinators, or educational developers.
• Early-career academics transitioning to learner-centered teaching.

4. Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and explain the core principles of active learning and their relevance within the educational process.
• Design a teaching activity using active learning strategies and adapt it for inclusivity.
• Use digital tools to support participation, reflection, and interaction.
• Identify opportunities to apply active learning in their own contexts.

5. Structure & Methodology

The 2-hour session includes:

• Introductory presentation and icebreaker
• Short theory segment + examples
• Demonstration of digital tools
• Breakout room task: co-design of an active learning activity
• Group reflection and feedback session
• Post-course feedback and certificate instructions

The delivery model embraces the Active Digital Learning Model, integrating elements from:

• Challenge-Based Learning (CBL): through collaborative group tasks simulating authentic instructional design
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): by modeling inclusive digital practices and encouraging accessibility in participant outputs
• Experiential Learning: participants experience strategies as learners, then reflect on their application
• Synchronous online facilitation: through real-time collaboration in Microsoft Teams using tools like Padlet and shared documents

This approach emphasizes learning by doing, collaboration, and pedagogical inclusivity in digital higher education.

6. Registration and Participation

https://forms.gle/MgJzUqD7pbqdEEz87

The deadline to register is July 9, 2025.

Participants must attend the full session and contribute to collaborative tasks.

7. Certification

A certificate of attendance will be issued by the course organizers upon successful participation. The certificate will list:

• Course title
• Learning outcomes
• Developed competences
• Duration (2 hours synchronous online)

8. Contact & Coordination

For any questions or support related to the course, please contact:

“Constantin Brâncuși” University:

• Mihaela Giurgiulescu – giurgiulescu@e-ucb.ro
• Loredana Pătrșcoiu – patrascoiu@utgjiu.ro
• Elena Paliță – palita@e-ucb.ro