In the world of education, interactive learning is becoming a key concept that is transforming the way students absorb knowledge. This learning method, which encourages the active involvement of students through various techniques and tools, brings many significant benefits for both students and educators.
In this article, we will explore how interactive learning enriches the educational experience, fosters a deeper understanding of the material, and fosters the development of key skills needed for success in the 21st century.
Interactive learning
According to Scholastic, interactive learning is a more hands-on, real-world process of relaying information in classrooms. With interactive learning, students actively participate in the conversation rather than solely listening to teacher lectures. This involvement can be facilitated through technology or group role-playing exercises in class.
Benefits
1. Engagement
By using interactive learning methods, students are more focused on the material and less mind wandering. This, consequently, contributes to a better understanding and retention of information. With certain methods, it is possible to additionally encourage student participation in classes, making them more dynamic and attractive. Namely, one study showed that 87 percent of students found the class more engaging with the addition of response technology in a large lecture hall.
2. Critical thinking
Interactive learning encourages deeper learning in students in a way that encourages them to actively participate and apply the learned material in practice. By doing so, students develop critical thinking and the ability to make decisions, which are key skills for success in the modern world. Interactive learning allows students to explore, analyze, and apply knowledge in a variety of ways. In this way, students become active participants in their education.
3. Increasing motivation
A study conducted by the Brookings Institution in Colorado showed that when students are engaged in their learning, they are more likely to be motivated and interested because they find the content more relevant. In the interactive learning process, students can ask questions throughout the presentation without feeling that they are actively interrupting the lecturer. That way, students feel actively involved in their own learning process, which results in a deeper understanding of the material and greater engagement!
4. Collaboration
In a passive environment, one or two students usually dominate the class. On the other hand, interactive techniques encourage the participation of all students. In this way, students get the opportunity to express their opinions and meet different perspectives. Collaboration is also key to building social and problem-solving skills – skills that are valued in school, but also outside of it.
5. Building confidence
Active participation of students in the learning process allows them to feel competent and confident in their abilities. Consequently, students are encouraged to face challenges and continue learning even when faced with difficulties. Furthermore, interactive learning creates a safe space for asking questions and helping struggling learners, which helps promote a sense of self-efficacy.
Interactive learning statistics
- 93% of class time is spent on class tasks when using game-based learning (Juraschka, 2019)
- In workplaces, the adoption of game-based learning has a compound annual growth rate of 53.4% (Ibañez, 2018)
- 82% of companies that are undergoing AR/VR implementation say that benefits are equal to or exceed their expectations (Fowler, 2019)
- Students in the Czech Republic who used an app for English language learning scored 43.9 points out of 60 points on average in a final test. Meanwhile, students from the control group garnered 31.8 points out of 60 points on average (Klimova, 2019)
- A study involving 105 preschoolers showed that children exposed to the gesture interactive game-based learning approach had superior learning performance and motor skills (Hsiao & Chen, 2016)
The diverse benefits of interactive learning are evident from various research fields. Children exposed to interactive learning through games showed superior skills, highlighting its ability to boost motivation, confidence, and deepen understanding. Furthermore, the process fosters essential skills crucial for modern success, underscoring its educational significance.
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