This research investigates early childhood student teachers' learning in a picture book elective at a Chinese university. The elective was designed as an educational reform that encouraged students' choices, interests, and active explorations. Drawing on the concept of deep active learning (DAL), the research aims to identify whether and how these young adults adopted the deep active approach to learning. Data sources included student questionnaires, student interviews, and an interview with the course lecturer. The analysis identifies the tension between students' DAL capabilities and DAL experiences, illustrating the difficulty in making reforms in a single course, due to the influence of student accustomed learning style, the general learning environment, and student career plans.