We all attend school for 12 years, during which, we are schooled in many subjects using a structured curriculum; yet the way that curriculum is delivered can vary. Passive learning is an environment where the students look and listen; the teacher stands (or sits) at the front of the class and instructs and while this is an effective way to learn, active learning improves learning outcomes because the students are actively engaged in the process.
Learning by doing
If you look at the top-rated Bangkok Patana international school, you can see project-based learning plays a major role. Students are invited to form groups and decide what they would like to learn about, while the teacher becomes a facilitator, helping the groups as and when required. Experiential learning is proven to be the most effective way to learn and most top schools adopt active learning strategies into their curriculum.
Project planning
The students take ownership of their assignment and must decide which format to present their project to the class. It could be in written form, with diagrams, it could be on future boards as a presentation, or the group might decide to create a digital slideshow. Each student would have specific roles, which builds teamwork and social skills; self-learning via Google empowers young learners and over a period of a couple of weeks, each group presents their project to the class. In doing this, new knowledge is cemented by teaching it to others; each student would present a section of the project, which develops communication and presentation skills.
Problem solving
As one famous educator said, ‘life doesn’t come at you in subjects’ and problems crop up all the time; developing problem-solving skills is essential for today’s young generation and the UK National Curriculum covers problem-solving. How do you develop problem-solving? The best way is to deal with problems as they come and if you have any issues, consult someone with a lot of practical experience in that particular field. In an active learning environment, students have to deal with their own issues and the teachers acts as a consultant. Click here for information on study stress and how to deal with it.
Actively engage the learner in the learning process
For the best learning outcomes, the learner should be actively engaged in the learning process, which is why most schools use a project-based approach. The more engaged the student is, the more they will learn; active learning requires the student to take responsibility for their learning, which also motivates students to self-learn.
International school education
It is globally recognised that international schools offer the best education; most use the British National Curriculum, which is generally accepted as the best and if you are looking for the best education, start with a Google search to find international schools near you. Arrange school visits and prepare a list of questions to ask the school principal, which will help you make an informed decision.