Student advice for students
We have developed this resource to be for UCD students by UCD students. With the increased use of more active and collaborative learning spaces across UCD, we hope that it will help prepare you for these learning experiences.
To develop the resource, we spoke with UCD students who have experienced active and collaborative learning. In addition, some UCD academic staff have also given their own tips for students learning in these spaces. This resource was developed as part of our UCD Students as Partners in Teaching and Learning project in 2024-25. We hope you find it useful.
Kaila, Staffin and Ananya, UCD Students as Partners in Teaching and Learning, 2025
Benefits of active and collaborative learning
Learning in a classroom that uses active and collaborative approaches has many benefits. As well as giving you a deeper understanding of some of the module’s content, active and collaborative learning is an opportunity to experience real-life scenarios and develop valuable skills that you will need in your future career and life: working in a team, dealing with colleagues, and giving presentations, for instance.
Learning closely with your peers can be fun and an opportunity to meet others. It can help you develop your confidence in communicating with others. You may find you learn more about how you and others learn, another skill that will help you in the future. You may also get to try out a wide range of methods and technologies, from whiteboards to the latest software.
Challenges
These active and collaborative spaces may be new to you, and you may initially find some challenges that are worth being aware of. You may be uncomfortable in a room where there is a high level of noisy interaction, and you may be nervous or unenthusiastic about the need to get more involved. With a high level of group- and team-work being used, the challenge of group dynamics—speaking up in a group, losing face, dealing with peers who don’t pull their weight—can all be intimidating. However, stick with it, give it a chance, and be proud of yourself for trying something different - you’ll soon see the benefits!
Top Tips for Students from Students
Here are our top tips for you to get the most from active and collaborative learning spaces:
Active and collaborative learning might be new for you, so it’s okay to be a little apprehensive. Entering the space with empathy that you are all working together, with open-mindedness towards the learning experience, can take away some of the anxiety. Don’t let your expectations get in the way of finding something new!
When you’ve prepared beforehand, you’ll have the confidence to contribute, participate and even enjoy. Make sure you review the material and complete pre-class assignments before coming to class. Check out the room beforehand to see what the experience will be like. Talk to your friends, other students or the teaching staff if you have any concerns.
Collaborative spaces bring together students with different backgrounds and ideas. Value these differences, take an interest in these new perspectives, and use them to broaden your understanding. Through active and collaborative learning, you can work with students who you may not have connected with otherwise. Remember: this also includes respecting the views, perspectives and intentions of the teaching staff!
It’s good craic working with people who have the same interests. It’s nice getting to meet people with similar interests and to see different perspectives on issues.
Final year, UCD Engineering student
Think of active and collaborative learning as an opportunity to take your learning into your own hands. If you have a question, chances are that other people do too. They won’t judge you - in fact, they might be really glad that you spoke up, and may even feel braver themselves to ask a question, also, thanks to you.
Active engagement helps you retain information better and contributes to the learning of others. Participate in discussions and share your ideas. Don't shy away from collaborative work.
I’d say that you do get more out of those classes, because it’s just deeper than a teacher just parroting words off a slide to you. It forces you to think more about what you’re learning about.
3rd year student, UCD Psychology
Collaborative learning relies on teamwork, often working to produce an output such as a project. Be open to working with others, and contribute your strengths to the team. Some conflict is normal, so focus on respectful communication and seek assistance from the teaching staff if necessary.
It’s worth it because you will learn skills that you need for the future.
3rd year student, UCD Psychology
Practice clear and respectful communication. Listen actively to others, articulate your thoughts, and provide constructive feedback. Honest communication builds trust and facilitates effective collaboration.
Speak honestly and contribute fairly with group.
Faculty from UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science
Active and collaborative learning can be a really great way to meet new students, learn new things, and have an enjoyable and energising experience in the classroom.
Additional Tips from Staff to Students
Other Resources
- Columbia University (2025). Active Learning: The Learner’s Perspective. https://ctl.columbia.edu/faculty/sapp/active-learning-learner-perspective/
This resource is from the Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning. They have an initiative called Students as Pedagogical Partners, where undergraduate students serve as Student Teaching and Learning consultants. One of their outputs was a resource where they shared their experiences with active learning and resistance to it from peers, with questions for reflection.
- Owens, D.C., Sadler, T.D., Barlow, A.T. et al. (2020) Student Motivation from and Resistance to Active Learning Rooted in Essential Science Practices. Research in Science Education 50, 253–277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-017-9688-1.
This paper highlights some of the ideas around both the value of it and why students have resistance to active learning, including not understanding why it is done, it requires more work, you need to be more prepared in advance..