Exploring Different Learning Modes
- 2021-04-12
We’ve developed a diagram which illustrates how different learning modes overlap with each other. Select a learning mode from the drop-down list to read sample scenarios and figure out if you can infuse these teaching and learning styles to your current pedagogies.
For a brief explanation of each learning mode, see Active Learning 101.
Passive learning
Active learning
In-person learning
Passive in-person learning
Active in-person learning
Blended learning
Passive blended learning
Active blended learning
Distance learning
Passive distance learning
Active distance learning
Online learning
Passive online learning
Active online learning
Hybrid learning
Passive hybrid learning
Active hybrid learning
Passive Learning
Learning sessions are mostly one-way. Teachers act as lecturers who go through the course materials during classes while students pay attention and take notes. Outside of classes, students can review their notes while going through course materials in their own time.
Active Learning
Learning sessions involve higher student participation. Teachers act as facilitators who encourage students to come up with their own ideas and solutions based on course materials and concepts discussed in class.
With constant practice using this learning mode, students can actually acquire active learning as a 21st century skill. For more in-depth information on the topic, download our handbook, Active Learning in the 21st Century Classroom.
In-Person Learning
Learning sessions are done face to face, where the teacher and students are in the same physical location no matter if it’s in the classroom or outside school premises.
Passive In-Person Learning
Students gather in a lecture hall where they listen and take notes while a teacher discusses the topic for that session. Learning usually is assessed through periodic examinations.
Active In-Person Learning
The teacher discusses concepts during class and then engages students through activities that would test their comprehension. This can be done through graded recitation where teachers call for insights, exploratory role-playing exercises, and other related activities.
Flipped classroom model
Students study course materials prior to class and then put their knowledge to practice through active learning activities such as live peer critiques, group presentations, and games during class.
Blended Learning
Learning sessions involve the use of the internet and other forms of digital technology.
Do your classes incorporate any of these technologies?
- Desktop computers or mobile devices for accessing of online resources
- Displays or projectors for lectures and presentations
- Interactive displays or cloud whiteboards for whiteboarding
- Clickers or other student response systems for live feedback collection
Passive Blended Learning
The teacher uses an interactive display together with online educational materials for lectures while students listen and take notes. Learning is usually assessed through periodic examinations.
Active Blended Learning
The teacher and students use available technology and online materials such as an interactive map on a touchscreen display for more engaging in-depth face-to-face learning sessions.
Distance Learning
Learning is done remotely either via correspondence, educational broadcasts, or a fully online or hybrid setup.
Does your school currently provide distance learning opportunities for students?
- Does it offer online learning modules or correspondence courses for students who cannot physically go to school?
- Does it require you to watch educational content which is publicly broadcast on TV or radio?
- Does it have in place measures that allow students to consult teachers and school staff via phone or video conferencing?
Passive Distance Learning
Students study the course materials provided to them by their educational institution. They go to a designated testing centre where they answer questions based on what they’ve read over the specified course period.
Active Distance Learning
Students go through the course materials provided, and based on their learnings, they create case studies with supplemental images, which they then send to their school for marking.
Online Learning
Learning is done through the internet either via video conferencing, cloud whiteboarding, or other online platforms such as forums and official school sites.
Does your school have the necessary technologies to support online learning?
- Fast and stable internet connection for in-school educators
- High-quality video conferencing equipment (camera, microphone, speakers) and software
- Interactive cloud whiteboard for live lectures and exercises
- Secure online repository for class resources and student coursework
Passive Online Learning
Synchronous
The teacher uses videoconferencing or cloud whiteboarding to hold lectures while students listen and take notes remotely from their own homes.
Asynchronous
Students follow an online course schedule and study the designated readings or watch video lectures at their own pace. Testing is done through online quizzes right after each module or via standardised periodic examinations.
Active Online Learning
Synchronous
Students demonstrate their mastery of the course materials by giving a live presentation via group video conferencing. Their teacher and peers then build on their ideas and give them constructive criticism on the same video call.
Asynchronous
Students study the uploaded course materials and create a multimedia project that demonstrates their knowledge of the subject matter. They then upload their projects to an official portal where the teacher and peers can critique and build on their work any time during the project period.
Flipped classroom model
Students study course materials prior to class and then put their knowledge to practice through active learning activities such as live peer critiques, group presentations, and games during class.
Hybrid Learning
Learning sessions combine in-person learning with online learning via live video conferencing.
Does your school have the necessary technologies to support hybrid learning?
- Fast and stable internet connection both in classrooms and in students’ homes or remote learning spaces
- High-quality video conferencing equipment (camera, microphone, speakers) and software
- Interactive cloud whiteboard for live lectures and exercises
- Secure online repository for class resources and student coursework
Passive Hybrid Learning
The teacher holds in-person lectures in the classroom with some students while the rest of their peers join the session remotely via video conferencing or cloud whiteboarding. Student participation is limited to notetaking and the occasional confirmation if they’re still following the discussion.
Active Hybrid Learning
The teacher holds an activity where both students in the classroom and other students joining remotely via video conferencing play roles in scenarios that test their understanding of concepts discussed.
Flipped classroom model
Students study course materials prior to class and then put their knowledge to practice through active learning activities such as live peer critiques, group presentations, and games during class.
Passive learning
Active learning
In-person Learning
Passive in-person learning
Active in-person learning
Blended learning
Passive blended learning
Active blended learning
Distance learning
Passive distance learning
Active distance learning
Online learning
Passive online learning
Active online learning
Hybrid learning
Passive hybrid learning
Active hybrid learning
