Activity Based Learning

Activity based learning is a teaching style that actively engages all students in the learning process within the classroom and immerses them within the material. Contrary to normal teaching styles where information is given to students and they must decide how to process it and take the learning aspect into their own hands, activity based learning provides the students with learning content that is easily understandable to all types of learners. “There are four primary learning styles: visual, auditory, read-write, and kinesthetic. People learn using a variety of these methods, but one method is usually predominant. Familiarity with the characteristics of each learning style and associated strategies allows you to address the needs of each type of learner.” (1, pg. 11) Activity based learning can encompass all of these styles and is a great way to keep students involved and ensure that the information is processed, used, and retained rather than just heard or memorized. This paper will address different examples of activity based learning, why it is beneficial, and how to incorporate it within a classroom setting.

Activity based learning is based on the premise that children are much more effective active learners than passive recipients of information. When classroom material is given to them in a way that allows them to explore and come to conclusions on their own or with the help of teachers or facilitators students are much more able to be able to process and retain the information in a useful way. There are many great types of activity based teaching that can be used in the classroom to engage students. Group discussions are one great way to actively involve students in communicating about the learning material. By posing ...

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...s kinesthetic learners as well as visual learners yearning for more. When teachers can properly connect their students with the curriculum through a medium that is beneficial to them then students stand a much better chance of grasping materials learned and retaining important information. Activities such as those examples I have given help all types of learners by immersing them within the information, and provide opportunities for students to use all four types of learning to ensure that the knowledge is successfully retained.

Bibliography

1) Friedman, Bruce D. How to Teach Effectively: A Brief Guide. Chicago, IL: Lyceum, 2008. Print.

2) Clements, Rhonda L., and Sharon L. Schneider. Movement-based Learning: Academic Concepts and Physical Activity for Ages Three through Eight. Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 2006. Print.