Active Learning Initiative
The Active Learning Initiative (ALI) provides grants and support for department teams as they redesign courses to implement active learning strategies. These courses have energized the learning experience for thousands of Cornell students and have led to deeper engagement, greater connection with peers, and increased interaction with instructors. The ALI nurtures projects within departments that can grow into more elaborate efforts and spread teaching innovations further afield.
Based on extensive educational research, ALI’s fundamental premise is that active learning strategies improve educational experiences for both students and faculty. Classrooms with active learning components can improve student learning, as well as their experiences related to engagement, social belonging, and classroom rapport. Active learning strategies can improve the experience for instructors by making teaching more rewarding and promoting a culture of engagement with students. ALI grants provide departments with resources to hire postdocs to collaborate with faculty to transform courses and design effective active learning strategies.
The Center for Teaching Innovation offers ideas for getting started with active learning, as well as workshops and consultations on topics such as course design and teaching strategies.
The ALI is funded by Alex and Laura Hanson ’87, deans of participating colleges, and the Office of the Provost. It is supported by the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and the Center for Teaching Innovation.
Proposals
We are not currently reviewing proposals. For an example of a past call for proposals, see: ALI Postdoctoral Fellowship 2024 Department Grant Competition.
Overview and Insights
A more detailed description of the Active Learning Initiative’s structure, examples of projects, and discussion of its research and impacts can be found in the ALI: Overview and Insights 2026 document, linked below. It also includes insights for faculty and university leaders who may be considering similar projects.
ALI: Overview and Insights 2026
Research on Active Learning at Cornell
Throughout the initiative's history, ALI instructors and fellows have conducted research on the effects of their course changes on student learning and experiences in the classroom. For examples of this research, see our list of publications.
Inside Active Learning Courses
Explore the videos below to get a sense of active learning strategies in Cornell courses and their impact on student learning.
Contact Information
To learn more about ALI, please contact our team:
| Carolyn Aslan Senior Associate Director | Tim Riley Director Professor of Mathematics |