In one month, a person can forget up to 80% of the new information they’ve learned. However, students are more likely to retain information when they absorb it through multiple senses. When kids and adults alike use more than one sense to learn, they have more ways to retrieve the information later.
As an emerging, increasingly relevant method in the modern classroom, hands-on — or experiential — learning is an incredibly effective way for teachers to help students cement information on any subject. More importantly, it remains relevant throughout students’ school careers and into their adult lives.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) recognizes that learners differ markedly in the ways in which they can be engaged or motivated to learn. That’s why it’s important for teachers to offer multiple means of engagement, and provide for multiple means of expression. Hands-on learning is an approach that elicits strong engagement and learning for many students, and is a hallmark of universally designed and inclusive classrooms.
What Is Hands-On Learning?
Hands-on learning is the process of experiencing a situation first-hand. Students learn about a concept in multiple ways, both inside and outside the classroom. It’s not enough to memorize facts — it’s essential to see these concepts in action.
Hands-on experiences are equally as important to early learners and advanced students. Elementary schoolers benefit from actively engaging in experiences like art projects and science labs, but experiential learning remains just as essential to college students pursuing careers.
Some examples of experiential learning for older students include:
- Internships: An opportunity to test a career field and gain valuable experience
- Simulations: An imitation of a situation or process with real behaviors and outcomes
- Study abroad: A unique opportunity to learn about another culture with a host family
- Student teaching: A chance to put knowledge to practice with on-site experience at a learning institution
Why Is Hands-On Learning Important?
Compared to a traditional lecture, experiential learning comes with a host of benefits, including:
1. Accelerated Improvement
One of the many benefits of hands-on learning is an accelerated advancement. When experiencing a situation first-hand, knowledge becomes relatable. Students can build connections between new and existing concepts.
Experiential learning can have a positive impact on learners of all ages, including preschoolers. For example, a parent or teacher can set up a pretend grocery store where children learn to weigh and count through pretend scenarios. Perhaps a customer wants two pounds of apples at $1.50 per pound. What is the cost? Activities like these help children develop real-life skills before they step foot in the classroom.
2. Enhanced Effectiveness
Hands-on learning increases the effectiveness of a student’s education. They can develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Many grade school students play math games to deepen their understanding and reasoning. Experts claim games reduce anxiety and help kids develop a positive attitude toward schoolwork — especially traditionally harder subjects like math and science. Students don’t feel self-conscious when playing because they’re having fun.
3. Increased Engagement
Hands-on learning increases student engagement by encouraging collaboration between learners. College students interested in a career at a software company, for example, can participate in a summer internship at a bustling firm.
This experience gives students a chance to develop their talents and strengths in all areas, including those beyond their comfort zone. A real-life environment encourages students to engage with professional peers to solve problems and meet deadlines.
4. Improved Memory Retention
Hands-on learning aids memory retention by building relationships between feelings and the thinking process. When students associate information with emotions, they can learn difficult concepts more successfully.
Hands-on learning involves multiple senses, allowing for numerous retrieval methods of the information. This notion holds true for learners of all ages, from primary age to adulthood. When students physically measure objects or collect data in the field, they experience the lesson beyond a piece of paper and deepen their understanding.
5. Lifelong Learning Skills
Experiential learning leads to lifelong learning by allowing students to gain essential skills and reflect on the next steps.
If students engage in problem solving — such as through an internship or service-learning program — before being presented with information, they can work through new challenges. Studies show students who repeatedly engage in reflection during field experience are more likely to bring strategic learning to future problems.
The Benefit of Hands-On Learning for All Students
Hands-on learning can have a positive effect on all learners, regardless of age. Whether kindergartners play a learning game or college students volunteer with a nonprofit, they will deepen their understanding of essential concepts using this helpful technique. From early education to career preparation, experiential learning increases the effectiveness of education and promotes lifelong learning.
About the Author
Alyssa Abel is an education blogger with an interest in experiential learning, educator resources, early education and higher education. Follow her updates for students and educators alike on her website, Syllabusy.
