Have you ever wondered why some people learn faster and better than others? Why do some students ace their exams while others struggle to remember the facts? Why do some workers excel at their tasks while others need constant supervision and guidance? In this EDU Blog, we will explore the power of hands-on learning and how it affects your learning style!
What Is Hands-on Learning?
One possible answer to the questions above is that different people have different learning styles. Some people are visual learners, who prefer to see information in graphs, charts, diagrams, or images. Meanwhile, others are auditory learners, who prefer to hear information in lectures, podcasts, audio books, or songs. Furthermore, some people are kinesthetic learners, who prefer to learn by doing, touching, moving, or experiencing.
But there is another factor that affects how well we learn: the degree of hands-on learning. Hands-on learning is a type of experiential learning that involves actively engaging with the material, rather than passively observing or listening. It can take many forms, such as:
Experimenting or simulating: This involves mixing substances, launching rockets, or other actions that produce observable results and help you understand scientific concepts.
Modeling or prototyping: This involves designing and making structures, machines, or organisms that demonstrate engineering or biological principles.
Problem-solving or puzzling: In this, there is finding solutions to mathematical, logical, or computational challenges that enhance your analytical and creative skills.
Art-making or music-making: This one involves painting, composing, or playing works that express historical or musical knowledge and appreciation.
Gaming or sporting: This involves playing strategic, competitive, or cooperative games that develop your mental and physical abilities.
- Tasking and other skills: It include cooking, speaking, writing, or other activities that require the following instructions and applying practical knowledge.
How Hands on Learning Enhances Your Skills and Knowledge
Hands-on learning has many benefits for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Here are some of the advantages of hands-on learning:
It increases motivation and interest. Hands on learning makes learning fun and enjoyable, which boosts our intrinsic motivation to learn. When we are interested in what we are learning, we are more likely to pay attention, remember, and apply the knowledge.
It enhances understanding and retention. It helps us grasp complex concepts and abstract ideas by making them easy and touchable. When we manipulate objects, perform actions, or observe phenomena, we activate multiple senses and brain regions, which strengthens our memory and recall.
It develops skills and competencies. Hands-on learning allows us to practice and improve our skills and competencies in a realistic and relevant context. When we learn by doing, we gain feedback, experience, and confidence, which prepares us for future challenges and opportunities.
- It fosters creativity and innovation. It encourages us to explore, experiment, and discover new possibilities and solutions. When we learn by creating, we unleash our imagination and originality, which sparks our innovation and invention.
A Guide to Hands on Learning Approaches
As you can see, hands-on learning is a powerful way to enhance your learning outcomes and enjoyment. Whether you are a student, a worker, an educator, or a lifelong learner, you can benefit from incorporating more hands-on learning activities into your routine. Here are some tips on how to do so:
Seek out opportunities for hands-on learning. Look for courses, workshops, clubs, events, or online platforms that offer hands-on learning experiences in your field of interest. You can also create your own hands-on learning projects by following your curiosity and passion.
Use a variety of materials and tools. Don’t limit yourself to textbooks, lectures, or videos. Try using different materials and tools to learn the same topic or skill. For example, you can use Lego bricks to learn math, clay to learn geography, or musical instruments to learn languages.
Collaborate with others. Hands-on learning is more fun and effective when you do it with others. You can learn from each other’s perspectives, insights, and feedback. You can also challenge each other to try new things and solve problems together.
- Reflect on your learning process. Hands-on learning is not just about doing; it is also about thinking about what you are doing and why you are doing it. After each hands-on learning activity, take some time to reflect on what you learned, how you learned it, what you enjoyed, what you struggled with, and what you can improve.
Takeaways
Hands-on learning is not only a method of learning; it is also a mindset of learning. It is about being curious, active, creative, and collaborative in your pursuit of knowledge and skills. By embracing hands-on learning, you can unlock your full potential as a learner and as a human being.
EDU Passport is your gateway to global education. You can use our website to explore, learn, and grow with people from all over the world. Join EDU Passport today and start your global adventure.
