How Can We Use Flexible Learning Strategies to Increase Student Engagement and Learning?

Event Date & Time

Event Description

Flexible learning strategies (including flipped classrooms and blended learning environments) have great potential to engage learners and enrich their learning experience. However, it can be challenging to add these elements to a course so that they promote achievement of course learning outcomes without adding unduly to students’ workload. Over the past two years, the redesign of a fourth-year course in public health nutrition has yielded many useful insights in terms of how to integrate key flexible learning strategies into course design and implementation. In this session, we will share some “lessons learned” to support others in creating effective flexible learning environments. Instructor and student perspectives will be shared to highlight strategies to i) integrate flexibility without overwhelming students, ii) engage students outside the classroom, and iii) provide opportunities for working on complex problems during class time.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify five specific ways in which courses can be (re)designed to integrate flexible learning opportunities to enhance student engagement and learning
2. Reflect upon students perceptions of their learning in a flexible environment to determine what students consider to be the strengths and potential pitfalls associated with a flexible learning approach

Facilitators:

Candice Rideout, Instructor, Land and Food Systems

Jaylene Meh, Undergraduate Student, Land and Food Systems

Melanie Yelland, Undergraduate Student, Land and Food Systems