Whenever we reflect on our childhood, particularly our school life in adulthood, we remember only a couple of teachers as opposed to many others. These usually include the teachers whose lessons were intriguing. A passing thought into what made their classes unique could very well lead them to their student-centered teaching method. Perhaps they would tell stories, engage in a word-building exercise, play math games, conduct a quiz, or role-play, any one of them would make classes unique. Those classes were fun since, we acted in them. In short, this is just what activity-based learning entails.
What does an Activity-Based curriculum imply?
An integral part of theinternational curriculum is a course outline of what students should expect to learn every year they are in school. The activity-based curriculum is oriented toward a learn-by-doing approach, offering an innovative and entertaining method of teaching. This is a form of learning which can be employed with EYFS, KS1, or KS2 students.
An Activity-Based curriculum teaches students by providing them with creative and educational activities. Instead of students just listening to a teacher, they will perform tasks that train important skills and help assimilate knowledge through an active process.
What are the features of Activity Based learning?
These key qualities of Activity-based learning set it apart from other pedagogical approaches. activity-based learning refers to using tools like dolls, toys, charts, and educational toys to facilitate self-study among kids with every child able to learn on his or her own time.
Other characteristics of activity-based learning include:
Activity-based learning is based on the process of interaction between a child and their surrounding environment. It takes place through the completion of a task.
Learning for activity is based on understanding children being social. Using this technique implies considering children as non-reason thinkers and only being able to logically think after doing specific actions.
Educate and learn are two activities for the activity based process in Activity-Based learning.
The relationship between knowledge and skills in activity-based learning is not antithetical unlike in other theories.
Activity-based learning gives knowledge to the children via what they do
In activity-based learning, children feel a higher degree of ownership towards their own studies.
Lessons that are based on active learning are easy to spot as they usually follow 6 simple steps:
- The need for activity-based learning in the classroom.
- Choose issues that you will use Activity-based learning on.
- Enumerate learning objectives and outcomes for the lesson.
- Plan and design the activity.
- Establish the learning events sequence that will most effectively meet the learning goals.
- Assess the appropriateness of the active learning activities.
Activity-based Learning: Concept and Methods
Activity-based learning means using different types of activities to deliver the subject matter in a more enjoyable learning process. This type of learning places emphasis on the learner with the teacher playing the role of a mere coordinator who introduces and walks them through certain activities. Learners acquire knowledge individually at his or her convenience.
Unlike conventional teaching where the teacher is the one who lectures and students are passive recipients, activity-based learning encourages children for the following:
- Engage: Since the children are involved in the activities planned, they also learn by themselves.
- Experiment: This is because there is no straight-up answer to copy. Thus, children find room for experimenting with ways of solving a problem.
- Explore: Activity-based learning leads to a child’s appetite for uncovering more knowledge on a certain issue.
- Express: This makes it possible for children to share findings/learning with confidence after being completely immersed in the learning process.
Some of the key benefits of activity-based learning are listed below:
Ensures better participation of kids in the learning process: During the play, the children engage in various skills that work together to stimulate the senses and hence learn more.
Leads to deeper learning and understanding: According to an old proverb, “I hear and I forget.” I see and I remember. ‘That I do, and I also understand.’ Thus, ABL constantly provides a broader understanding of the topic because of experimental learning. Likewise, they have the ability to make errors and therefore gain authentic study.
Encourages creativity and out-of-box thinking: Actively learning gives the opportunity to the children to solve the same problem in new ways. This kind of learning rewards and encourages original and creative thinking.
Builds team spirit and social skills: During one of their tasks when they get into groups, teamwork is practiced and at last, they learn about teamwork. This also strengthens their social outlook and moral conduct.
Conclusion
Hence, the method of activity-based learning is the best instruction model suitable for children above all. It helps engaging students of all age groups to get indulged in manifold learning activities and enhance know effectively.