Active learning strategies can be best described as:

Active learning strategies are characterized by their focus on student engagement and participation in the learning process. This approach encourages learners to actively construct their own understanding and knowledge, rather than passively receiving information. By incorporating activities like discussions, problem-solving, group work, and hands-on exercises, active learning fosters critical thinking and enhances retention of information.

This instructional approach is effective because it allows students to apply concepts in real-world scenarios and work collaboratively, facilitating deeper understanding. The emphasis on participation not only makes learning more interactive but also makes it more relevant to the students' experiences and interests. This is in stark contrast to methods that prioritize activities reliant on memorization or direct instruction without engagement, which can lead to superficial understanding.