Active learning has become a central priority in contemporary education as systems shift from traditional, teacher-directed instruction toward competency-based, inquiry-driven and student-centered learning environments. Despite increasing adoption, the theoretical grounding and practical applicability of active learning models remain fragmented, and there is limited comparative evidence on how these models function across grade levels and school contexts.
This study aims to systematize the field and examine how educational practitioners perceive the relevance and feasibility of selected models. A mixed-method design was applied in two phases. In stage one, a comparative analytical framework and expert evaluation rubric were developed to assess models categorized into four theoretical clusters: constructivist models (e.g., inquiry-based learning, experiential learning), project-oriented models (project- and problem-based learning), cooperative models (cooperative and peer learning), and technology-mediated models (flipped classroom, gamification, blended learning). In the second stage, a survey was conducted among experts, including teachers, principals and training specialists (N = 40), focusing on the practices, barriers and needs related to the implementation of these models. An author's survey was developed for the purposes of the study. Preliminary findings indicate strong consistency between expert evaluations and practitioner preferences, with constructivist, project-oriented and cooperative models rated as most feasible. Technology-mediated models demonstrate potential but require targeted professional development and supportive conditions for successful implementation.

Authors:
Vania Sivakova, Plovdiv Univesrity, Bulgaria
Ilitsa Daskalova, Plovdiv University, Bulgaria
Mariyana Bizova-Georgieva, Plovdiv University, Bulgaria
Galin Tsokov, Plovdiv University, Bulgaria
Plamen Miltenoff, University of Economics Varna, Bulgaria

About the Presenter(s)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanya Sivakova is with the Department of Pedagogy and Education Management, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, Bulgaria. Interests: active learning, inclusive education, special pedagogy, assistive technologies.

Additional website of interest
https://pfpu.bg/%d0%ba%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%b5%d0%b4%d1%80%d0%b8/%d0%bf%d0%b5%d0%b4%d0%b0%d0%b3%d0%be%d0%b3%d0%b8%d0%ba%d0%b0-%d0%b8-%d1%83%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%be%d0%b1%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b7%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%bd/%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%bd%d1%8f-%d1%81%d0%b8%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0-3/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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