Active learning is not defined by a single activity or teaching method. It is guided by core principles that shape how students engage with course materials and how learning experiences are designed. In higher education, particularly in Math and STEM disciplines, active learning focuses on engaging students in the learning process, encouraging reflection, and supporting the application of knowledge through practice.

When these principles are intentionally built into a course, learning becomes more meaningful, sustainable, and engaging for students.

Core Principles of Active Learning

• Student Engagement

Engagement is the foundation of active learning. Students are expected to participate rather than observe. This participation may take the form of problem solving, interactive activities, discussion, or structured practice that requires students to think and respond.

According to the University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation, active learning strategies involve students directly in the learning process and require them to reflect on what they are doing. Interactive digital lessons, such as those created with Möbius Lessons, support this approach by encouraging active participation and continuous interaction with course content.

• Student Reflection

Reflection encourages students to think about how they approach problems and why certain answers are correct or incorrect. When students revisit their reasoning, explain concepts in their own words, or analyze mistakes, they develop deeper understanding and stronger metacognitive skills.

• Application of Concepts

Application is where learning becomes concrete. Active learning prioritizes opportunities for students to apply concepts through practice, experimentation, and problem solving. Repeated application reinforces understanding and helps students connect theory to real-world  scenarios.

A large-scale study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found active learning improves STEM performance over lectures.

Benefits of Active Learning in Higher Education

Courses designed around active learning principles consistently show stronger student engagement, improved conceptual understanding, and higher retention of material. Students are more likely to identify gaps in their knowledge early and build confidence as they progress.

For educators, active learning provides better visibility into student progress. Continuous interaction and practice make it easier to identify where students struggle and adjust instruction accordingly. This is particularly valuable in STEM courses, where foundational understanding is critical for long-term success.

How to Bring Active Learning to Life

Active learning uses intentional strategies that promote engagement, reflection, and application. These approaches fit into existing courses without requiring a complete redesign.

• Gamified Learning Experiences

Gamification introduces challenge, exploration, and motivation into the learning process. When learning activities are framed as interactive experiences with clear goals and feedback, students are more likely to engage and persist.

A case study from Mohawk College highlights how Möbius was used to create virtual escape rooms that encouraged collaboration, problem solving, and creative engagement. This approach helped increase student participation while reinforcing course concepts in a low pressure, interactive environment.

• Flipped Classroom Approaches

Flipped classrooms shift the focus from content delivery to active practice. Students are introduced to concepts before class, while in-class sessions are used for problem solving, discussion, and application.

We’ve explored this approach in more detail here, which outlines how structured pre-class learning paired with guided practice can support deeper engagement and understanding.

This model aligns closely with active learning principles by creating space for interaction and reflection when students need it most.

• Assessments as Learning Tools

Assessment plays a critical role in active learning. It works best when used during learning, not as a final checkpoint. Frequent low-stakes assessments give students regular chances to practice concepts without pressure. They can test different approaches and learn from mistakes over time. Continuous and unlimited feedback supports this process by helping students adjust their thinking in real time. It also shows that learning is iterative, not one-time.

Möbius assessments support this approach by enabling continuous evaluation, adaptive feedback, and opportunities for students to learn from mistakes. 

Bringing Active Learning to Life with Möbius

Möbius is designed to support active learning in math and other STEM courses by aligning with the principles of engagement, reflection, and application. The platform allows  educators to create interactive learning experiences where students actively work through concepts, receive feedback, and build mastery over time.

Additionally, our Math Readiness Solution supports students in strengthening foundational skills through guided practice and adaptive assessment, helping instructors identify learning gaps early and support student success from the start.

Another option is our STEM Educator Suite, which provides tools for designing interactive activities, delivering continuous assessments, and supporting student engagement at scale. Together, these solutions help educators move beyond passive instruction to creating learning environments centered on practice and understanding.