“It was informative, constructive and invaluable for me”
Melanie Westlake, Head of Science, Saint Felix School
From Passive to Active: Energising Classroom Practice
This INSET explores how active learning—particularly through structured talk and collaborative dialogue—can transform pupil engagement and outcomes. Drawing on cognitive science and classroom research, it equips teachers with approaches to make learning more participatory, purposeful, and inclusive.
Research shows that attention in teacher-led lessons begins to wane every 10–20 minutes. Structured oracy and collaborative talk offer powerful ways to sustain engagement, deepen understanding, and promote critical thinking.
“Active learning promotes recall and deeper understanding of material, as students are engaging with the content rather than simply listening to it.”
Jess Gifkins, Research Fellow, Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
An active approach to learning allows students to develop essential skills for lifelong learning, including communication, reasoning, and teamwork. This course provides opportunities for teachers to reflect on their own practice and explore how purposeful talk can enhance classroom dynamics.
Benefits of this INSET:
- Engage with innovative teaching approaches that promote student voice and participation
- Experience the role of the learner through collaborative activities
- Explore how structured talk routines can support deeper thinking and retention
- Develop strategies to foster oracy and dialogic learning across subjects
You may also be interested in our INSET courses on Metacognition – click here
INSET Outline
What is Active Learning?
- Define active learning in contrast to passive reception.
- Explore the role of student agency, participation, and voice.
- Introduce oracy as a key component of active learning, not just a tool for English lessons but a cross-curricular skill.
Evidence-Based Pedagogy
- Review key research findings e.g. EEF, Voice 21, Rosenshine.
- Debunk common myths
- Align approaches with current Ofsted expectations and curriculum intent.
Top Active Learning Strategies
- Subject-specific examples
- Planning for engagement in lesson design
- Explore how classroom layout, routines, and questioning can support active participation
- Discuss how to scaffold talk for different learners, including EAL and SEND pupils
Active Retrieval Practice
- Explore how retrieval can be made active through low-stakes quizzing, verbal recall, and collaborative questioning.
- Link retrieval to oracy by using spoken recall, peer explanations, and structured discussion.
- Discuss how retrieval fits into lesson planning and supports curriculum sequencing.
Sustainable Impact
- Strategies for embedding oracy and active learning in departmental planning.
- How to support staff confidence and consistency through CPD and peer coaching.
- Considerations for monitoring impact and aligning with whole-school priorities.
“Really illuminating and motivational”
Jemma Walker, The Market Bosworth School
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