Active Learning in Kids

Active learning means learning by doing. It's also sometimes called hands-on learning, and it means that students are actively engaged in the learning process, rather than just listening to a lecture or reading a textbook. Kids learn better when they are actively engaged in a lesson, and this translates to higher grades and test scores.

Features

Kathleen McKinney, professor of sociology at Illinois State University, writes that more learning takes place when students engage in active learning by using a variety of elements, including listening, writing, reading and reflecting. Active learning usually facilitates more higher-order thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. When students use higher-order thinking, they are more likely to retain information. Active learning methods focus on problem solving, group cooperation, planning and organizational skills.

Significance

According to Donald Orlich's book, "Teaching Strategies," kids learn best when they are involved in the classroom. It's no surprise that students fall asleep more during lectures than during science labs. When engaged in a meaningful activity, students absorb information better and are less easily distracted. Although lecture has been the predominant form of instruction in past generations, new research and the focus on national education standards have led educators to look for more effective ways to teach children. Therefore, school districts and teacher training institutions are now focused on active learning.

Benefits

Active learning not only helps students learn more, but it also makes the classroom a more exciting place. Teachers who find ways to make learning interesting with creative and unique activities often have students with higher grades and fewer behavior problems.

Active Teaching

According to Leslie Hendrikson from The National Teaching and Learning Forum, active learning is most often facilitated by elementary teachers, but it is equally important for secondary students. Unfortunately, most teachers don't employ active learning methods, but stick to lectures, reading, workbooks, worksheets, quizzes and tests. This is probably because active learning activities often require more planning and prep work on the teacher's part, but not always.

Activities That Create Active Learning

Hands-on activities, such as labs, crafts, experiments and manipulatives, are great ways to get students engaged in learning, because kids are learning by doing. Many activities that include cooperative learning groups facilitate active learning because they require listening, discussion, cooperation and, often, reading or writing. Group activities can range from pairs to small groups to whole class debates. According to Orlich, the best way to learn something is to teach it to others; so student-led demonstrations or presentations are a very effective way to keep students actively engaged in learning.