In our active learning classroom training session on Friday, we discussed some of the tools that could be helpful in an active learning classroom. Some of the things I use are:

• 2×2 sticky notes…have students write name on one and place on table facing team members. They learn names faster and so do I.
• Love the hooks on our huddle boards for hanging the wiping cloths
• I have ordered smaller erasable markers which come four colors in a pack for each table to use…I’ll collect them after each class
• It helps to have a paper cutter in the workroom…I print questions for exit tickets multiple times on a page and then print them off
• A basket or bowl for collecting exit tickets, handouts, pens at end of class. I’m trying to figure out how to attach it to the barstool to keep it out of my way…maybe I’ll dig a beach pail out of the grandkids sandbox when the snow melts (if) for that purpose.
• Colored copier paper can keep learning fun. One idea I have used is when I teach Corporate Income Statements which are complex and belong in a certain order, I hand out strips (pre shuffled) of colored paper with the terms on them. When the students have placed them in the correct order, they are rainbow striped and I can glance at them quickly on each table and know if they are correct by the rainbow.

Also, I do class handouts and exercises in Google docs and share them with co-workers who teach the same course in the ALC. Then, after the class does them, I open them up and put link on Moodle for students to use as refresher and study guide. I am also doing an agenda for each class to help me decide how long to take for each classroom activity…and keep me on task.

Please share your ideas or add to this list of supplies you find helpful.