Hands-On Learning

Hands-On Learning

When I think about hands-on learning, my first thought usually goes to kindergarten, where children are engaged in experiences that require the use of multiple senses. However, it seems like right after kindergarten, teachers often use worksheets, lectures, and reading as their primary methods of teaching new concepts. Why, all of sudden, is there a shift from hands-on to listening and watching when we know children learn better when their entire bodies are engaged in a lesson? The simplest answer is that worksheets are the easiest for teachers to prepare in the little time they have, without working after contract hours. This post will discuss the benefits of hands-on learning and how we can incorporate it into our classrooms well after kindergarten.

 

Benefits of Hands-On Learning

Several studies have proven the effectiveness of hands-on learning, from cognitive to physical improvements. Hands-on learning is beneficial as it requires learners to take on a multisensory approach, in which they use two or more of their senses during an experience ("Learning key 12", n.d.). When students engage in such experiences, they often leave the lesson with a better understanding and can more accurately recall the information for longer periods ("Learning key 12", n.d.). Which, when we think about it, makes complete sense. Imagine if I were to describe ice cream to someone who has never eaten it before. I would explain that it is cold, soft, creamy, and sweet. This person will only be using their sense of hearing. Now, imagine if I gave another person some ice cream to taste. They would be using their sense of taste, touch, sight, smell, and even hearing as they listen to the crunch of the cone. The person who tasted the ice cream would probably have a better recollection of their experiences as multiple senses were engaged.

In addition, hands-on learning is proven to increase creativity ("Learning key 12", n.d.). If students have a worksheet, they will usually move through the questions and acknowledge there usually is one correct answer. With hands-on learning, students must manipulate materials and engage in trial and error to achieve their goals. Finally, this type of learning also has physical benefits, such as improving our muscles reaction time, detecting stimuli and responding to the stimuli present within our environments.

Incorporating Hands-On Learning

Although this seems like a daunting and expensive task, we know incorporating hands-on activities can boost children's learning. I highly recommend having students bring in materials, such as paper towel rolls, boxes, disposable cups, straws or whatever else can be recycled throughout the year. This way, students will always have materials to work with for various activities. I have learned that when you give children loose parts, the creations they can come up with have been brilliant! These materials can be used for:

®   Science: Creating simple machines or building structures 

®   Math: Creating analog clocks or patterns

®   Art: Creating a representation of their writing piece

®   Literacy: Describing a creation they made

®   Social Studies/Geography: Recreating a geographical location and models of their communities

Although worksheets and pencils are the easiest (and least messy), incorporating hands-on activities throughout the classroom will allow for a richer learning experience for all children.

    

 Brought to you by Emily S @ NU