As a Communication professor with a background and interest in media, I find that one of the most successful teaching strategies is one that integrates theory and practice. From teaching theories regarding mass communication to film to critical theory, I find that most students are able to comprehend these concepts much more successfully once I employ active learning techniques. Although many communication classes are separated between production and theory or criticism classes, I find that this separation need not be perpetuated. The addition of active learning in the classroom gives students the opportunity to practice individually and in groups many of the larger theories and concepts covered in the readings and lecture. Specifically, I incorporate into all of my lectures small group work, question and answer periods, in- class writing, peer review, and topic oriented exercises.