Active Learning Certificate Program
Routes to Certification
The Active Learning Certificate allows you to be pre-assigned to an active learning classroom.
If you do not currently hold an Active Learning Certificate, you have two options to pursue certification:
1. Complete of the Active Learning Certificate Program Course
The Active Learning Certificate Program Course is a hybrid course designed to address your professional development needs and promote active learning in the classroom. Over the course of the 2-month program, you will develop knowledge of active learning principles and evidence-based techniques to be applied to your teaching for the purpose of developing inclusive, engaging learning experiences that support student success. Please see the program description below. Registration for the Spring 2025 Active Learning Certificate Program Course is now open. Review the information below regarding spring program dates, and click on the link below to register.
Spring 2025 Active Learning Certificate Program Registration Form
2. Submit an application to show demonstrated expertise in active learning strategies
If you are interested in demonstrating your expertise in active learning strategies, please complete the Active Learning Certificate Demonstrated Expertise Application Template to share your experience with active learning strategies. In the application, you must share a specifc lesson or unit plan and demonstrate alignment between stated objective(s), assessment(s), active learning technique(s), and the way in which technology was incorporated (if applicable). After completing the application template, fill out the Active Learning Certificate Demonstrated Expertise Application Form with your information and upload the completed template. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the CFE Director. If accepted, you will receive your certificate via email. Should the Director have any questions or feedback during the review, you will be invited for a brief discussion to address these points.
The Active Learning Certificate Program Course is open to all members of the BGSU teaching community, including adjunct/part-time faculty, full-time faculty (QRF or TTF), staff (administrative or classified), and graduate students. Only adjunct/part-time faculty and full-time faculty (QRF or TTF) may submit an application to receive an Active Learning Certificate by demonstrating expertise.
If you already have your Active Learning Certificate, you do not need to complete the course or submit an application to be pre-assigned to an active learning classroom. If you are unsure about your Active Learning Certificate status, please contact the CFE (cfe@bgsu.edu).
Active Learning Certificate Program Course
The Active Learning Certificate Program Course is a hybrid course that addresses your professional development needs and promotes pedagogical advancements associated with active learning. Over the course of the 2-month program, you will develop knowledge of active learning principles and evidence-based techniques to be applied to your teaching for the purpose of developing inclusive, engaging learning experiences that support student success.
Upon the successful completion of the program, your Active Learning Certificate will be recorded by the CFE and Registration and Records, which will allow you to be pre-assigned to an active learning classroom in upcoming semesters.
Program Outcomes
By participating in this certificate program, you will:
- Reflect on your current course designs and teaching practices that may benefit from the application of active learning strategies.
- Develop a plan for incorporating active learning into your teaching.
- Practice planning lessons that incorporate active learning strategies that align with your learning objectives and assessment techniques.
- Practice implementing active learning strategies using technology.
Program Requirements
To successfully complete this program you must:
- Click on the link below to submit the Active Learning Certificate Registration Form.
- Participate in the Active Learning Certificate Program online Modules 1 & 2.
- You must complete Modules 1 & 2 before attending the Module 3 in-person session.
- Participate in the Module 3 in-person session scheduled in an Active Learning Classroom.
- The in-person session consists of 1.5-hour workshop and an optional 30-minute technology demonstration.
- Complete the Module 3 final reflection assignment.
At the end of the semester, the CFE Team will review participants' program progress and attendance and award certificates to eligible participants. Enrollment in the Active Learning Certificate Program Course does not guarantee receipt of the Active Learning Certificate.
Program Schedule
Prior to registering for the program, please review the following schedule for the Spring 2025 Active Learning Certificate Program to ensure that you are able to meet the program requirements on the timeline provided:
- Friday, February 14, 5:00 p.m.: Registration deadline (or when program reaches capacity)
- Tuesday, February 18: Program begins; participants enrolled in Canvas course
- Friday, March 18: Deadline to complete all activities and assignments for Modules 1 & 2
- Thursday, April 3-Monday, April 14: Module 3 in-person sessions. See exact dates and times on the registration form. You must be able to participate in one of the in-person sessions to participate in the program.
- Friday, May 16: Deadline to complete all activities and assignments for Module 3
Program Recognition
If you successfully complete the Active Learning Certificate Program Course, you will receive the following forms of recognition:
- A digital certificate
- An email signature stamp that can be added to your email signature
- A Canvas badge
- Pre-assignment of active learning classrooms during the schedule development period in upcoming semesters (for instructors of record)
- Acknowledgement at the annual BGSU Teaching & Learning Summit
Frequently Asked Questions
All members of the BGSU teaching community are eligible to participate in the Active Learning Certificate Program Course, including full-time faculty (TTF or QRF), adjunct or part-time instructors, graduate students, and staff (administrative or classified). This course has been designed for individuals who are currently teaching in the higher education classroom or plan to in the near future. Both the online modules and in-person session include activities that ask you to share past teaching and learning experiences, and to complete the course you must submit an active learning lesson plan.
Yes, however, you will need to participate in the Module 3 in-person session, which will take place in an active learning classroom on BGSU's Main Campus. The purpose of the in-person session is to familiarize faculty and instructors with active learning classrooms and effective strategies for using them. If you are not able to attend the in-person session, you should not apply for this program.
While all members of the BGSU teaching community are welcome to participate in this program, you do not need to complete this training to be pre-assigned an active learning classroom if you already have your Active Learning Certificate.
No. As mentioned above, there are two routes to certification. You may complete the Active Learning Certificate Demonstrated Expertise Application template, describing a lesson or unit during which you utilized active learning strategies, and submit your completed application via the Active Learning Certificate Demonstrated Expertise Application Form.
Modules 1 and 2 are delivered online via Canvas. The modules consist of readings and videos about active learning strategies, reflections, knowledge checkpoint quizzes, discussion boards, an active learning lesson plan assignment, and providing feedback on a colleague's lesson plan assignment.
Module 3 consists of the mandatory 1.5-hour in-person session. During this session, you will explore an active learning classroom and technology tools available and participate in an active learning activity. Module 3 also includes an optional 30-minute active learning technologies Q&A at the end of the in-person session during which you can ask questions you may have about active learning technologies and get practice on these technologies. To complete Module 3, you must participate in the in-person session, submit a final copy of your active learning lesson plan, and participate in a final reflection discussion board.
Yes, you must participate in the Module 3 in-person session to successfully complete the program.
To individuals with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in the in-person session by indicating that on your application form and/or by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495. Please notify Accessibility Services and/or the CFE office prior to the in-person session.
The estimated time to complete the activities for Modules 1 and 2 is 1 hour per module. The estimated time to complete the activities for Module 3 is 1 to 1.5 hours, in addition to the time spent at the in-person session. In total, you should expect to spend a total of at least 3-4 hours of time working on asynchronous tasks for the modules.
Keep in mind that these times are estimates. As each module contains multiple links to resources that explore active learning strategies, this course may take much longer than 3-4 hours for some individuals to complete.
Yes! You will remain enrolled in the Canvas course after you complete the program, so that you can continue to access the resources long after you complete the course.
Yes, if you are a full-time faculty member, you may upload the PDF of your Active Learning Certificate to Faculty180, BGSU’s faculty activity reporting system.
Updated: 12/19/2024 12:31PM