Active Learning
Active learning is a teaching approach that involves students actively participating in the learning process rather than passively receiving information.
It emphasizes engagement, interaction, and critical thinking, encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning through activities that require them to analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge.
Active language learning approaches are the best way for creatives to learn a language, keeping students involved (interested) in every step of their learning journey.
Within active learning are subcategories: Practice-based, Practice-led, Project-based, Inquiry-based, and Kinetic Learning.
These terms frequently overlap in AD Education. Hopefully, this glossary will provide the big picture.
Project-based learning
Completing all aspects of a project in English takes the learner through collaborative language, formal and informal language, presentations, critiques, and negotiating.
In Gigs & Jams, we use project-based learning to organise an exhibition and a book exchange with another art school.
Practice-based Language Learning
When the student’s work determines the target language acquisition making it deeply relevant, memorable and meaningful.
Practice-based learning is a way of conceptualising and organising student learning which can be used in many applied disciplinary contexts, and most art school contexts.
Our Sketchbook English Online Course is built from daily examples of practice-based language learning.

Practice-led Language Learning
Practice-led is similar to practice-based but raises questions that can be explored through further research.
Practice-led English learning takes place over weeks and months.
Sketchbook English presents opportunities for practice-led English learning by repeating the same weekly formats, allowing information and language acquisition to compound and branch out.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning is an active learning approach where we harness our students’ natural curiosity about the world and use it to make our lessons truly engaging.
Inquiry-based learning is a learner-centred approach based on curiosity, active questioning techniques, and exploring real-world topics.
It builds life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Similar to project-based or task-based learning, IBL focuses more on exploration and investigation processes than project or task completion. Students may choose a topic that interests them, ask questions, and find out more in order to answer those questions.
Start with what they know and what they want to know – and go from there.
Further Information
You can read more about practice-based learning on the ELTons in Chia Suan Chong’s blog post: Ten Trends and Innovations in English Language Teaching in 2024
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