Final answer:
Active learning involves deep engagement with material by questioning, seeking evidence, and making connections, leading to critical thinking and better comprehension. Passive learning lacks this engagement, often resulting in superficial understanding. Strategies to become an active learner include critical reading, evaluating arguments, and engaging with text through questioning and note-taking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Active versus Passive Learning
The concept of active versus passive learning is particularly relevant in the context of reading and critical thinking. Active learners continuously engage with the material by asking questions, seeking evidence, and connecting ideas, thereby building a more in-depth understanding. They question the logic of arguments, check for bias, and distinguish between facts and opinions. They also think critically by applying information in new contexts, which leads them to a greater level of conceptual understanding.
In contrast, passive learners tend to read material without much engagement, which often results in a surface-level comprehension. They do not actively make connections with other concepts or question the validity of what they're reading. Hence, they miss out on the opportunity to critically assess the information, build knowledge bridges, and apply what they've learned in different contexts.
To transform from a passive to an active learner, one should aim to read critically, evaluate arguments for fairness and plausibility, and actively engage with the text through questioning and note-taking. This process not only enhances comprehension but also fosters a problem-solving mindset essential for tackling complex ideas.