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Essay / Activity-Based Learning - 1041
Activity-based learning is a teaching style that actively engages all students in the classroom learning process and immerses them in the material. Unlike normal teaching styles where information is given to students and they have to decide how to process it and take charge of the learning aspect, activity-based learning provides students with easily understandable learning content for all types of learners. “There are four main learning styles: visual, auditory, reading-writing and kinesthetic. People learn using a variety of methods, but one method is usually predominant. Familiarity with the characteristics of each learning style and associated strategies allows you to meet the needs of each type of learner. (1, p. 11) Activity-based learning can encompass all of these styles and is a great way to keep students engaged and ensure that information is processed, used, and retained rather than just heard or remembered. This article will discuss different examples of activity-based learning, why it is beneficial, and how to incorporate it into a classroom. Activity-based learning is based on the principle that children are much more effective active learners than passive recipients of information. When learning materials are provided to them in a way that allows them to explore and draw conclusions on their own or with the help of teachers or facilitators, students are much more able to process and retain information in a useful way. There are many types of activity-based teaching that can be used in the classroom to engage students. Group discussions are a great way to actively involve students in communicating about learning material. By posing ...... middle of paper ......, kinesthetic learners as well as visual learners yearn to know more. When teachers can properly connect their students to the curriculum through a medium that benefits them, then students have a much better chance of grasping the material learned and retaining important information. Activities such as the examples I have given help all types of learners by immersing them in information and provide students with the opportunity to use all four types of learning to ensure knowledge is retained successfully. Bibliography1) 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 children ages three to eight. Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 2006. Print.