The difference between active and passive learning is that where passive learning requires learners to follow instruction and absorb information, active learning encourages to analyze and apply this information. Learners are engaged in a dialog and self-reflection, which develops critical thinking and problem-solving.

While there is a time and a place for more direct, traditional methods, sometimes flipping the content might do the trick: active learning leads to increased performance and mastery of the content. Additionally, it allows applying learning in reality-based scenarios where there might be more than just one answer. This in turn means gaining new perspectives by successfully solving realistic challenges.

But what are the methods for creating more active learning experience? For example, by granting the learner the freedom of choice and building on prior knowledge. When learners are given a choice on how to proceed, they will more likely have more intrinsic motivation. Also, adding an element of social learning enables drawing personal conclusions about the topic and sharing thoughts with colleagues. Social aspects within a course could be brainstorming, solving a problem together in a comment forum or constructing knowledge together.

So, it is worthwhile considering activating the learner, since it not only empowers the employees but also boosts leaning culture within the organization which in turn brings returns.