On 25 Mar, CTLE held a professional development event on active learning for large classes in an AI-mediated world. Nearly 60 UM academic staff attended the event.

In this practical 90-minute workshop, Prof. Sean McMinn from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) explored how to engage students in large classes in today’s AI-mediated world.

Prof. McMinn began by asking participants what they consider “large class”. He then explained that classroom design greatly affects student behaviours. He demonstrated a few easy-to-use active learning strategies that work well in traditional lecture theatres and flexible classrooms with movable furniture. Key techniques included structured polling cycles with Mentimeter (question → individual thinking → group discussion → share results → class discussion), the funneling approach, and digital whiteboards for collaboration and real-time feedback.

Prof. McMinn also spoke about the importance of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) and metacognition (thinking about one’s own thinking). He warned that students are increasingly dependent on AI for answers and decision-making, which may weaken their independent thinking, judgment and ability to monitor their learning.

Through hands-on activities, participants experienced how simple digital tools can help students plan, monitor and reflect on their learning while using AI. The workshop ended with a short Q&A session.

The video recording is available to watch here.