Educationally and pedagogically written and reviewed by Academic Writer Maryna Polishchuk, MA, and Academic Writer & Researcher Dr. Maryam Iftikhar, Ph.D.
Hands-On Learning
Hands-on learning, also known as experiential learning or active learning, is an educational method involving the learner’s hands-on engagement and practical experience during the learning process.
Hands-on learning is a teaching method in which instructors interact with students through direct experience and focused reflection to improve their knowledge, skills, and values. Students handle various physical objects, collaborate with peers, solve puzzles, and connect theories with real-life situations.
Hands-On Learning: Benefits and Drawbacks
Transforming the Educational System
Hands-on learning is an extremely dynamic process. It enables students to actively participate in educational activities like experiments and inventions and increases their understanding of knowledge.
Teamwork helps develop social skills such as communication and conflict resolution. Hands-on learning demands critical thinking by compelling students to investigate processes and form links. In this way, they acquire problem-solving skills and learn how to be innovative. In the long run, hands-on learning is the best way to combine theoretical knowledge and practical application. It leads to quick learning and better memory retention. Consequently, hands-on learning achieves far greater effectiveness than traditional learning methods.
The Limitations on Assessment
Hands-on learning has its side effects, too. First, the effective implementation of hands-on learning by highly qualified specialists requires training staff or hiring experienced teachers. Knowledge assessment also creates additional troubles, as it is more difficult to assess practical skills and abilities than theoretical knowledge. Therefore, evaluation in active learning environments is a multifaceted process involving various methodologies and tools to assess student competency.
Moreover, implementing hands-on learning is expensive. It is a special process that involves the use of specific instruments, materials, and tools. Since tests, physical experiments, and other functions to discredit or confirm educational theories are performed in a pre-designed space with all the required devices, it needs many resources.
Cognitive Abilities and Hands-On Learning
Multiple cognitive skills are utilized in hands-on activities, which further enhance knowledge bases and strengthen skills.
Sensory Perception and Processing
Hands-on learning activates several sensory channels, such as tactile, visual, auditory, and olfactory. Thus, the senses become more active and are used more efficiently for learning.
Attention and Focus
Experiments are powerful tools because they engage students and stimulate them to pay attention, which improves their attentional control and focus. This participation helps to obtain better learning and understanding.
Memory and Recall
Experiential learning through hands-on activities is the best way to form long-term memories because it produces vivid, lifelike events. Active involvement ensures the connection between sensory inputs and cognitive processes and improves memory retention.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Hands-on learning is a way of developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills because it gives real-life challenges. Trial and error, experimentation, and thinking are the main driving forces that drive students to acquire cognitive flexibility and analytical reasoning skills.
Spatial Reasoning and Motor Skills
Many activities require spatial reasoning and fine motor skills, improving spatial awareness and manual skills. Activities like putting together objects or finding your way around places encourage mental growth.
Metacognition and Self-Regulation
Hands-on learning positively affects the development of metacognitive awareness and self-regulated learning. Students can reflect on their own learning processes, track understanding, and adapt learning strategies, thus embracing lifelong learning skills.
Implementing Hands-On Learning in Neurodiverse Environments
In neurodiverse classrooms, hands-on learning is best for students with different learning styles and needs. The interactiveness of one-on-one activities can capture and uphold learners who may not be good with traditional teaching methods.
For visual learners, visual aids and manipulatives can be used in active learning tasks, while auditory learners will benefit from oral instructions and discussions. Experiments allow students to observe the cause-and-effect relations and help to develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Building models, conducting experiments, and using interactive technology are particular examples of hands-on learning strategies that can be helpful for neurodiverse learners. Constructing prototypes can be utilized to visually demonstrate complex ideas to students who have difficulties understanding spatial awareness. Interactive technology, educational apps, or virtual reality simulations can offer a hands-on experience in a safe and entertaining way.
By integrating practice-based tasks into the coursework, instructors may keep students involved, increase their understanding, and respond to the various requirements of neurodiverse students.
Hands-On Learning: Teach Simple’s Perspective
In the past few years, hands-on learning has been one of the best and the most widespread trends in modern education. Today, this approach is an integral part of our cognitive activities; the process needs to be done gradually and carefully because most disciplines or subjects, especially in middle and high school, need both theoretical and practical learning. For students of colleges, advanced training, or professional retraining courses, the use of the hands-on learning approach is even more important.
The misconception that using hands-on learning is the same everywhere is wrong. One thing is certain: the practice-oriented method does not meet everyone’s needs. Besides, not all the subjects require the practical use of the acquired knowledge. For instance, STEM science training for adults has been proven to be most effective when hands-on learning is applied. Nevertheless, education experts insist hands-on learning is the most powerful method of learning that has been tried, but it should be combined with the rest of the learning styles that have their own benefits.
References:
- Park, E. L., & Choi, B. K. (2014, March 18). Transformation of classroom spaces: traditional versus active learning classroom in colleges. Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-014-9742-0
- Allsop, J., Young, S. J., Nelson, E. J., Piatt, J., & Knapp, D. (n.d.). Examining the Benefits Associated with Implementing an Active Learning Classroom among Undergraduate Students. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1299931
- Ravichandren, N., & O’Connor, A. N. (2021, July 15). Benefits of Life Skill Based Education for Neurodiverse Adults: An Integrative Review and Analysis. World Journal of Educational Research, 8(4), 21. https://doi.org/10.22158/wjer.v8n4p21