During a great workshop today on active learning in engineering at McGill I asked two questions (using Socrative) , of the audience. Here is a summary of 24 answers I received:

1) I would like to read blog posts about:

• activities for large classes (18% of people)
• activities for small classes (30% of people)
• technology in active learning (22% of people)
• wacky or creative ideas for active learning(30% of people)

2) I might read a blog post about teaching and supervision if…

• It takes into account the sheer lack of time and resources for preparation; ie quick and easy ideas to engage a bored class!
• it was linked through twitter
• It was regularly updated and interesting!
• It does not take too long
• it helps me achieve better my teaching objectives compared to my current teaching practice
• It related to economics / social science a bit
• Its short and introduce tips and examples
• It gives concrete practical examples of activities for teaching and making students more active
• I was interested
• I knew where to find it
• It dealt with distance education
• they talked about encouraging creativity and critical thinking
• it was about new and creative strategies that I can use in my class
• it included the occasional evidence-based pieces that demonstrate real impact
• Give ideas about how to get the students more active
• It’s concrete, thoughtful and provides ideas
• it was relevant and to the topic. I also would like to see it promoted within the departments to encourage conversation about teaching and learning
• It is useful

My summary is that people want to hear about all types of different aspects of active learning and they would be motivated to read posts if it interesting and provided something useful.

Thanks Michael Prince of Bucknell for the great workshop and Milwaukee Mag for the image.