In this video demo, the professor uses the TV commercial strategy as a review mechanism, requiring students in a graduate education class to integrate concepts covered over several weeks. The students know one another, but do not know the professor, who is filling in for a colleague. The professor provides each student with a copy of instructions for using this strategy. He leads into the activity by prompting the class to talk about their favorite TV commercials. After the class gives several examples, he directs discussion about "what makes commercials effective." Then he instructs the groups to create a commercial that illustrates one or more of the major principles in the unit of study.

Students work in groups of four for 15 minutes. Note how the professor facilitates, answering questions and informing the class how much time is left for group wrap-up.

The professor calls time and group reporters describe their group's commercial.








Summary/Value
This Active Learning demonstration engaged students in a learning experience that stimulated:

1) review discussion about main principles in the unit,

2) integration of concepts into a holistic picture,

3) visual conceptualization, and

4) creative production. Students learned from one another and reinforced concepts they will continue to apply in future learning and in their teaching profession. After experiencing this Active Learning experience, these pre-service teachers are much better prepared to implement this and other Active Learning strategies in their own teaching.