Hands-On Learning
Hands-On Learning
Practical experiential learning is a method of education that is focused on the active collaboration of students with their teachers and their direct involvement in the whole learning process. Its significance lies in its ability to provide students with a deep understanding of the subject, allow them to keep the knowledge for a longer time, and be capable of implementing the knowledge in real-life applications.
What are the benefits of hands-on learning?
Practical learning comes with a whole lot of advantages, such as the rise of increased active participation, better information retention, and critical thinking skills development. For instance, kids who learn through real-life experiments in a science lab tend to be more successful at forming mental pictures of concepts than their peers who only read about them in textbooks.
How does hands-on learning differ from traditional learning methods?
Experiential learning is not the same as traditional methods because it is primarily oriented to the experience of the students through the activity rather than the passive absorption of the information. Traditional learning often consists of lectures and textbooks, on the other hand, hands-on learning promotes the active participation of the students in the process of learning, for instance, by working on projects, simulations, or fieldwork.
What are some examples of hands-on learning activities?
Examples of hands-on learning activities are carrying out science experiments, constructing models in engineering classes, taking part in role-playing scenarios in language learning, or studying internships and apprenticeships. These activities enable learners to utilize their theoretical knowledge in actual situations, thus, improving their comprehension and skills.
How can educators implement hands-on learning in the classroom?
Adding project-based learning, organizing group activities, and providing the necessary tools and materials for experimentation are some of the ways educators can involve students in hands-on learning. For example, teachers of a history class can set up a simulation of an event in history, which would help students enjoy the subject much more and understand the historical background better.