Making Learning Active, Simply.

It is no secret that technology has overtaken today’s classrooms, and with this comes an unintended shift away from active learning activities. Notebook PCs and iPads certainly do provide incredible resources; however, they subtract from many hands-on experiences that once defined engaging learning. A thought on how we can revitalize active learning through simple, interactive activities that spur engagement and participation.

Active learning helps in motivating students and decreases zoning out. It also makes students responsible, develops critical thinking and proper communication skills. When students are actively involved in the process, the chances of retaining and conceptualizing information during a class are greater compared to conventional teaching methods. The temptation and fascination with technology might lead to passive consumption rather than active participation.

In addition, educators can reintroduce classic activities to infuse active learning in children. These include:

• Crosswords: These puzzles are not only a source of fun but also a great way to reinforce vocabulary and comprehension skills. Crosswords prepared based on the lesson content make learning interactive and appealing. An easy tool for creating and customizing crosswords is Eclipse Crossword.
• Tarsia Puzzles: These involve matching concepts to answers in a more interactive and fun manner. They can cover various subjects, such as math problems, chemistry, history or language arts, and encourage collaboration among peers since learners can work in groups to solve them.
• Diffit Interactive Worksheets: Tools like Diffit enable instructors to design sheets that students can then interact with. Diffit helps teachers create differentiated instructional materials which is not just engaging, but thoughtful.
• Flipped Classroom Model: This model reverses the traditional method of teaching. New content is learned outside of class through videos or readings, while classroom time is dedicated to activities. This methodology maximizes classroom time through active learning, as students can view material beforehand and enter the classroom with questions and insights, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Moving forward with modern education, it’s important to remember the power of active learning techniques where interaction replaces screens. By integrating traditional resources like crosswords and Tarsia into a modern framework using innovative tools like Diffit, teachers can strike a balance and reintroduce much-needed interaction into the classroom. Just as crop rotation enhances agricultural yields and replenishes soil nutrients, varying instructional strategies in teaching can lead to better educational outcomes by keeping students engaged and catering to diverse learning styles. This dynamic approach transforms learning into an active process, fostering greater student engagement and a lifelong love for learning.