How Activity Based Learning Encourages Lifelong Learning?

Education isn't just about memorizing stuff for tests and getting good grades. It's about sparking a relentless curiosity and a hunger for knowledge that lasts long after we've tossed our graduation caps in the air. Lifelong learning is extremely important because it equips individuals with the skills needed to adapt, develop, and succeed in a constantly changing world. But how do you nurture lifelong learners? The key is to start from the foundation of schooling by integrating activity-based learning into education.

What is activity-based learning?

There is an old Chinese saying that sums up the whole idea of activity-based learning: "Tell me and I forget. Show me, and I remember. Involve me, and I understand."

Activity-based learning transcends traditional lecture-based learning approaches and introduces a fresh form of education through creative tasks and activities.This learning method transforms students from passive recipients to active participants in their educational journey. The teachers take the role of a mentor who facilitate, guide, and inspire the students. According to studies, traditional lecture-based learning typically retains around 5% of information, whereas activity-based learning yields an impressive 75% retention rate.

What are the tools involved in activity based learning?

To create an engaging and interactive learning environment, activity-based learning incorporates different tools and methods. The methods are applied according to the specific concepts being taught. Let's take a look at some of the most common ways:

Project-based learning

Project-based learning places the student at the center. It helps develop responsibility, ownership, and many other essential skills. For instance, in history classes, students researching and presenting a project on a historical event encourages critical thinking, analysis, and presentation skills.

Hands-on experience

Engaging in hands-on experiments improves understanding of complex theories. For instance, in science classes, conducting experiments like observing chemical reactions helps students grasp abstract concepts. When the students have personally experienced it, it will remain in their memory for a longer time.

Group discussions

Group discussions promote peer learning and broaden perspectives. It enhances their communication skills, mutual respect, and listening abilities. In literature classes, discussing different interpretations of a text enhances understanding and communication skills among students.

Case studies

Case studies provide practical application of theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. For example, in a business class, students might analyze case studies of successful companies to understand management principles in action.

Simulations

Simulations replicate or mimic real-world scenarios, offering students immersive learning experiences to the students.Introducing VR into education has transformed the face of it. Students can now experience and explore places within the comfort of their classes. It takes them to places they cannot visit physically.

What are the benefits of Activity based learning

There are several ways in which activity-based learning encourages lifelong learners. Let us take a look at some of the benefits of this method:

Retain key information.

Activity-based learning creates unforgettable experiences for kids that they'll carry with them forever. Simply memorizing information is insufficient for deep understanding and long-term retention. By actively participating in learning experiences, students engage with the material on a deeper level, gaining a more thorough understanding.

For instance, consider the concept of a chemical reaction. While reading about it may require memorization, conducting experiments first hand allows students to witness the reaction in action, leading to a clear memory that will stay with them far beyond exams. This approach helps with the internalization of subjects, enabling students to attain mastery over the material. Moreover, activity-based learning accommodates diverse learning styles, catering to visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learners alike, ensuring that all students can effectively engage with and absorb the content.

Develop creative skills.

Activity-based learning is a highly effective learning style that builds creativity and critical thinking in students. By creating an environment where they can explore, inquire, and discover,this method sparks curiosity and prompts students to think outside the box. Through hands-on activities and play-based learning experiences in lower classes, children are empowered to unleash their creative potential while their curiosity is at its peak. They are not only prompted to ask questions but also to understand the underlying principles behind what they are learning and how it applies to the world around them. This way, they can come up with interpretations and solutions to questions in their own creative ways.

Student-centered learning method

Activity-based learning focuses on the student's active involvement over the traditional teacher-centered approach, realizing the crucial role students play in their own educational journey. Placing students at the heart of the learning experience, teachers engage them by providing tools and guidance, allowing them to take ownership of their learning process. This not only prepares students for further education but also creates a sense of confidence to deal with challenges thrown at them. Through this approach, students develop independent learning methods, gaining insights into their strengths and weaknesses and adjusting their learning strategies accordingly.

Build social skills.

Activity-based learning serves as a catalyst for enhancing teamwork and fostering inclusion among students. By encouraging collaborative work, students learn the importance of contribution, cooperation, and communication skills, including active listening, compromise, and negotiation, all of which are invaluable skills transferable to dynamic environments such as the workforce.

Transitioning the learning process from teacher-centric to a student-to-student model further cultivates leadership abilities as students take on roles within their groups. This peer-to-peer approach empowers students to communicate, express opinions, and collectively generate solutions, promoting a better understanding of the material. Moreover, activity-based learning ensures that every student feels valued and included, preventing anyone from being left behind or not being able to participate completely.

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Activity-based learning encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, fostering cognitive skills essential for life. The students are encouraged to think, analyze, and evaluate different perspectives. Rather than being told and taught what to do, students are guided to find answers to all their questions or come up with solutions themselves. This approach extends beyond their academic studies, preparing them to tackle challenges they encounter throughout life. It offers lifelong benefits, preparing students not only for higher education but also for navigating the complexities of the world beyond the classroom.

If you're seeking top schools in Pathanamthitta that prioritize the development of lifelong learners, look no further than NSK International School. Our mission is to cultivate a community of individuals who are deeply involved in their learning journey and empowered to take charge of their educational paths. We place equal importance on both the content of education and the process through which it is delivered, building a continuous thirst for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. By providing a well-rounded education, we are dedicated to nurturing students into lifelong learners who thrive not only during their school years but throughout their lives. Join us at NSK International School, where education transcends boundaries and ignites a passion for lifelong learning.