A deep active learning approach to exploring young adults’ learning in a picture book elective

Authors: Nini Zhang, Huijun Zhao & Karen Guo
Changchun Normal University, China & Deakin University

Edition: Volume 61, Number 2, July 2021

Introduction: This research investigates early childhood student teachers’ learning in a picture book elective at a Chinese university. The elective was designed as an educational reform that encouraged students’ choices, interests, and active explorations. Drawing on the concept of deep active learning (DAL), the research aims to identify whether and how these young adults adopted the deep active approach to learning. Data sources included student questionnaires, student interviews, and an interview with the course lecturer. The analysis identifies the tension between students’ DAL capabilities and DAL experiences, illustrating the difficulty in making reforms in a single course, due to the influence of student accustomed learning style, the general learning environment, and student career plans.

Keywords: picture book elective, adult student, deep active learning, Chinese higher education

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This article is part of AJAL, Volume 61:2. The entire volume is available in .pdf for purchase here.