What if learning could feel like an exciting adventure rather than a chore?
Imagine a classroom where students don’t just sit and listen; they question, explore, create, and collaborate. A class where learning isn’t about memorising facts for a test but about making sense of the world around them. That’s what active learning looks like, and it’s changing the way children experience education.
At Shraddha Children’s Academy, we believe learning should be an active journey, not a passive task. Through engaging activities and student-driven methods, we’re helping young minds connect deeply with what they comprehend, and more importantly, how they learn.
It’s not just about better marks but about building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning. Active learning is the key to this shift.
Understanding Active Learning
Active learning is an instructional approach that dynamically involves students in learning, encouraging them to participate in meaningful activities and think critically about what they are doing. Unlike passive learning, where students receive information from the teacher, active learning strategies require students to engage with the material, collaborate with peers, and apply concepts to real-life situations.
Research from the Center for Teaching Innovation at Cornell University highlights that active learning methods prompt students to think, discuss, investigate, and create, leading to deeper understanding and knowledge retention.
Key Components of Active Learning Strategies
Implementing active learning in the classroom offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: Students analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information, developing higher-order thinking skills.
- Improved Retention: Engaging with the material actively helps to retain and recall information.
- Increased Engagement: Interactive activities keep students motivated and invested in learning.
- Development of Soft Skills: Collaborative tasks foster communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Adaptability: Students learn to approach problems flexibly, preparing them for real-world challenges.
The Importance of Active Learning in the Classroom
Why is active learning in the classroom important?
Because it transforms learning from something children are given to something they own.
When students are actively involved in the process, they become more curious, confident, and self-directed when proactively engaged in the process. They learn how to ask better questions, solve real problems, and adapt to new situations, critical skills in school and beyond.
Parents often ask, “Will this method help my child succeed?” The answer is a resounding yes, not just in marks but in mindset.
Talking to Students About Active Learning
Communication is key in implementing active learning strategies effectively.
At Shraddha, we make it a point to involve our students in the why behind what they are doing. We talk to them about active learning strategies, help them understand how these strategies work, and show them how their efforts make a difference.
By involving them in the process, students feel respected, motivated, and ready to take responsibility for their learning. This sense of ownership makes a big difference in how they approach their studies and school life overall.
What Does Shraddha Do to Improve Children’s Learning?
Our commitment to active learning is evident in our daily practices. We have created an environment that encourages exploration and creativity. Our classrooms are equipped with resources that support various active learning methods, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed.
Moreover, our teachers undergo continuous professional development to stay informed of the latest educational strategies, ensuring our students receive a high-quality education.
Shraddha Children’s Academy’s Active Learning Strategies
We actively use a variety of active learning methods across our Kindergarten, Primary, Middle, and High School Programs. Here are some of the methods we employ:
1. Jigsaw Method
In this collaborative learning technique, students are divided into groups, and each member is assigned a different segment of the topic. After mastering their respective segments, students teach their peers, promoting accountability and deep understanding.
Example: In a history lesson, each student researches a different event leading up to India’s independence and then shares their findings with the group.
2. Game-Based Learning
We incorporate educational games that align with our curriculum, making learning fun and interactive. This approach enhances motivation and helps students grasp complex concepts through play.
Example: Using a math board game to reinforce arithmetic skills, where students solve problems to advance on the board.
3. Think-Pair-Share
This strategy encourages students to think individually about a question, discuss their thoughts with a partner, and share their insights with the larger group. It fosters critical thinking and communication skills.
Example: After reading a story, students reflect on the main theme, discuss it with a peer, and then present their conclusions to the class.
4. Gallery Walk
Students create visual representations of their learning and display them around the classroom. Peers walk around, view the displays, and engage in discussions, promoting peer learning and feedback.
Example: In a science class, students create posters explaining different ecosystems and conduct a gallery walk to learn from each other’s work.
5. Graphic Organisers
We use tools like mind maps and flowcharts to help students organise information visually. This aids in understanding relationships between concepts and enhances memory retention.
Example: Creating a Venn diagram to compare and contrast characters in a novel.
6. Collaborative Learning
Group projects and discussions are integral to our teaching approach. Students work together to solve problems, encouraging teamwork and diverse perspectives.
Example: In a social studies project, students collaborate to create a model of a sustainable city, integrating knowledge from various subjects.
7. Inquiry-Based Learning
We encourage students to ask questions and explore topics deeply. This method nurtures curiosity and independent thinking.
Example: Investigating the water cycle by conducting experiments and researching its impact on the environment.
8. Flipped Classroom
Students review instructional content at home through videos or readings, allowing classroom time to be used for interactive activities and personalised guidance.
Example: Before a math lesson on algebra, students watch a tutorial at home, enabling in-class time for problem-solving exercises.
9. Project-Based Learning
Students engage in projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. These projects are often interdisciplinary, connecting learning to real-world applications.
Example: In an environmental science project, students design and implement a school-wide recycling program, applying their knowledge to effect change.
Impact in the Classroom
Active learning makes our classrooms lively and engaging. Students collaborate, express ideas, and explore deeply through strategies like Think-Pair-Share and project-based learning. They move beyond memorisation, developing critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills that prepare them not just for exams, but for life.
Conclusion
At Shraddha Children’s Academy, education goes beyond exams and grades. We believe in creating thinkers, doers, and lifelong learners.
Active learning in the classroom is not just a technique, it’s a mindset we nurture every day. Through a mix of active learning methods and personal attention, we equip children with not only academic knowledge but also the confidence to question, the curiosity to explore, and the creativity to lead.
If you’re a parent looking for a school that values holistic growth and celebrates each child’s unique journey, Shraddha is where learning becomes a joyful, life-changing experience.