"Students do not learn much just sitting in classes listening to teachers, memorizing prepackaged assignments, and spitting out answers. They must talk about what they are learning, write reflectively about it, relate it to through past experiences, and apply it to their daily lives. They must make what they learn part of themselves." - (Chickering & Gamson, 1987)
In this short video, the imagery of building a bridge helps to explain the building and strengthening neuro-pathways when we learn.
When it comes to Active Learning vs. Passive Learning, this building concept applies to both. It's just that the bridge is built faster and sturdier when the learning occurs through doing (Active) versus listening or reading (Passive).