The importance of active learning

Active learning can be found almost in every classroom now, but does it suit all students regardless of subjects and focus?

We’re all familiar with teachers who would go on for hours churning out way too much information on unfamiliar and complex subjects, while your classmates and you sat in silence expected to take in everything they said with no problems whatsoever.

Maybe this worked well to help you impress your parents with a perfect report card. But it most certainly won't help your children learn anything.

Active learning is seen as a more student centered approach when compared to traditional teaching methods. Here 8 benefits of immersing your children in this educational experience:

1. Making learning fun again

Active learning is really just all about incorporating and encouraging student participation in what would otherwise be a mundane lecture.

Whether it’s as simple as having short partner discussions or as hands-on as a group research project, active learning, without a doubt, engages a student more than than a traditional lecture would.

2. Teaches kids their voices matter

One of the main benefits of active learning is that it encourages students to brainstorm for ideas.

A common technique used by teachers practicing the method is to give a brief introduction of a topic or concept at the beginning of a class and then assign work to students, done either as individuals or as a group activity, that delves deeper into the subject.

3. Learning takes time

This type of learning forces students to think for themselves and gives them time to process what they have discovered; which ultimately gives them a better understanding of the topic as a whole.

4. Learning is teamwork

If active learning is carried out through the integration of group activities or projects within classes, this method of learning could be crucial to getting students to understand the importance of teamwork.

Learning to work well within a group of people, all with different attitudes and characters, is a necessary life skill for anyone to have. Group activities enhance a student’s communication skills and teaches them to become an effective contributor.

Students will also learn how to collaborate with others and how to debate opposing viewpoints. In addition, hearing their classmates talk about or explain a topic might give students new insights and perspectives they wouldn’t otherwise have obtained.

5. With great power, comes great responsibility

Perhaps the best part about active learning is the sense of responsibility it instills. Since the student isn’t just spoon fed by their teachers and is made to think independently, they learn to take responsibility for their performance in the class.

6. Less presssure on teachers

Modern day students tend to rely too much on their teachers to provide them with thorough notes and effective tips on how to pass their exams that they forget that it is they themselves who should be putting in the most effort.

7. Focus on comprehension and not rote-learning

It’s rare that you find students who actually remember the content of their subjects once they’ve graduated.

The increased pressure experienced by students to do well in school has led to students caring more about their final grade than they do about the actual syllabus.

8. Let's get technical

People learn best from experience. Sitting in a room for two hours listening to someone talk about something you’re too exhausted to listen to has never been the ideal way of trying to make sense of something.

Students need to discuss what they’re learning, research it and apply it into their daily lives. Their teacher is merely there to serve as a guide and advise their students on the right steps to take.