From Passive Reading to Active Learning: Designing Effective Self-Study

Effective self-study is one of the cornerstones of university learning. Yet many students struggle to move beyond passive reading or watching. Without guidance, self-study can easily turn into content consumption rather than real learning.

This video explores how educators can activate students during self-study to promote deeper engagement, understanding, and self-regulation. Drawing on educational research and practical experience, it introduces six evidence-based practices that help transform independent study into active learning.
You will learn about the following practices:

• Giving clear and specific instructions that reduce confusion and keep students on track
• Using guiding questions to focus attention on key ideas
• Integrating quizzes to help students monitor their understanding
• Connecting self-study tasks with in-class sessions to build continuity and meaning
• Encouraging moments of metacognitive reflection
• Fostering peer interaction to create a sense of learning community

These strategies do not require major redesign or complex tools – just thoughtful choices that make a big difference. Whether you teach in-person, online, or in a blended setting, this video will help you design self-study phases that activate learning, strengthen motivation, and build student ownership.

00:01 Introduction
00:46 1) Clear and Specific Instructions
01:10 2) Guiding Questions
01:26 3) Timely Self-Checks
01:47 4) Connect to Class
02:10 5) Moments of Reflection
02:33 6) Peer Interaction
02:49 Conclusion

This video has been produced as part of the project "EASE - Educational Academic Staff Empowerment", run by @unibern and @USIUniversity , funded by swissuniversities through the program "Open Education and Digital Competencies".