The Benefits of Active Learning in School

Key Points:

• Active learning engages students more deeply than passive methods.

• It fosters problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

• Students retain information better through hands-on activities.

• Tutors can guide students in developing personalized active learning strategies.

Active learning, theorized in 1991 for the Association of Higher Learning, is a teaching approach that moves away from traditional lectures or rote memorization, encouraging students to engage actively with the material, and one that we at Nucleus Tutoring use often to help our students grow. It’s an approach proven to help students better understand and retain what they learn by making the process interactive, where instead of sitting and listening to someone talk, you're able to visualize and understand complex concepts in an exciting way. Whether it's through discussion, problem-solving, or real-world applications, active learning makes the studying experience more meaningful.

Using Active Learning in School

For students, the benefits of active learning are immense. Instead of simply absorbing facts, they learn to apply their knowledge, strengthening their ability to remember and use that information in different contexts. Elementary students might participate in hands-on activities that connect concepts to their daily lives. For instance, using math to bake or measure during projects not only teaches the basics of addition and subtraction but also makes math feel relevant. Older students can engage in debates, case studies, or peer teaching, all of which allow them to practice applying new concepts and think critically about the material they are studying. According to research, the strategy works best when the studying itself is supplemented by engaging and interactive experiences, such that the student may not immediately recognize that they're learning in the first place.

Active learning is beneficial in helping students develop problem-solving skills. In traditional lecture formats, a student might memorize a math formula without fully understanding why it works. Active learning, by contrast, might encourage the student to work through multiple problems, experimenting with different approaches until they understand how and why the formula applies. This leads to a deeper understanding that goes beyond memorization and helps them apply those concepts in real-world situations, like exams or class projects. Learning is an evolution of intelligence after all, and adaptation of the ways students learn can offer different avenues for their growth towards adulthood.

But Does It Actually Work?

Educational theories have a history of contention. For example, "Learning Styles" are an incredibly popular topic in the educational space, but the Journal of Educational Psychology finds that there's actually no benefit to focusing specifically on styles for study efficiency. However, according to the American Physiological Society, there is significant evidence that backs active learning's benefits on student learning. They found that multiple different avenues could be used with active learning to retain information, and that adaptation of different strategies tends to be the best approach as subjects evolve in class. These strategies not only improve their grades, but their confidence too. Especially at younger ages, it allows students to utilize imagination in coordination with topic learning, so that they may even actively learn without a structured environment!

How Tutors Compliment Active Learning

Implementing active learning can be challenging for students who are used to more passive learning methods. Parents might notice that some students feel overwhelmed by having to think more critically or engage actively with their schoolwork. However, this is where a tutor can make a difference. Tutors are skilled at creating a learning environment that encourages active participation while making the process enjoyable and less intimidating. A tutor can introduce interactive methods that align with a student’s preferred learning style, making active learning not only beneficial but also fun.

Working with a wide variety of imaginative interactions, tutors are able to provide different learning environments to older and younger students alike. As the students learn and grow, the tutor will learn more about different strategies that "work" best with their students, and in turn new adaptations of strategies can boost their grades and school securities even more.

For parents, active learning represents an opportunity to help their child grow academically in a way that prepares them for future challenges. It helps build skills that go beyond the classroom and lays a strong foundation for academic success. By integrating active learning into their child’s study routine, parents can support the development of both practical knowledge and critical thinking abilities, giving their child the tools they need to succeed. And with the added guidance of a professional tutor, this process becomes smoother and more tailored to their child’s needs.

Conclusion

In summary, active learning is a powerful tool for helping students better understand, retain, and apply information. Through hands-on activities, problem-solving, and interactive studying, students can grow their skills and confidence. A tutor can guide this process, making sure students feel supported and engaged while working toward their academic goals.

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References:

1. Bonwell, Charles C., and James A. Eison. Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom. 1991 ASHE-ERIC higher education reports. ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education, The George Washington University, One Dupont Circle, Suite 630, Washington, DC 20036-1183, 1991.

2. Brame, Cynthia. "Active learning." Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching (2016).

3. Rogowsky, Beth A., Barbara M. Calhoun, and Paula Tallal. "Matching learning style to instructional method: Effects on comprehension." Journal of educational psychology 107.1 (2015): 64.

4. Michael, Joel. "Where's the evidence that active learning works?." Advances in physiology education (2006).