All of the classes I have taught at the University of Michigan, and some that I taught at the University of Utah, have been inquiry based, which is a type of active learning. 

 

IBL classes have students work on exercises together in groups. There is very minimal lecturing from the instructor. Instead, the instructor checks student work, makes sure the group is functioning harmoniously,  and manages the pace in the classroom.   

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There is evidence indicating that active learning is more effective for many students than traditional lecture based learning: Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics.  

Interestingly, students don't always have an accurate idea of how much they learn through different modalities! Measuring actual learning versus feeling of learning in response to being actively engaged in the classroom.