Activity Based learning in Preschool and Primary School

Activity Based learning in Preschool and Primary School Facilitator: Olubunmi Adewakun

1. Can you spot the difference?

2. Learning Goals Describe the term, “Activity”. Describe Activity Based Learning. History of Activity Based learning. Describe the types of Activity Based learning Discuss the importance of Activity Based learning. • Discuss the benefits of Activity based learning. • Conclusion. • • •

3. What is Activity? §The state of being active. §A thing a person is doing or has done. §A specific behaviour or action of a particular person. §A task in Education that involves direct experience and participation of students. Such activities include Acting, playing, writing, gardening etc.

Meaning of Activity based learning • Activity –based learning describes a range of pedagogigal approaches to teaching. • A process of learning by doing. Learning through and from activities. • It encourages students to participate in their own learning through practical activities. • It involves problem-solving and independent investigation. • It is a child centred approach.

History of Activity Based learning Active Based learning started during World War II The pioneer of the system was David Horsburgh. He opened a school called NEEL BAGH in Kolar. The school had a diverse curriculum that included music, carpentry, sewing, gardening and also school subjects. • Teaching materials were planned with different learning activities. • •

Activity-Based Learning

Types of Activity Based Learning-1 • Group Discussion: Children discuss in smaller groups of four to fifteen students within a stipulated time and some pre-determined rules.

Types of Activity Based Learning-2 Role Play Dramatization § This involve enacting some situations or playing the role of things, persons or characters. E. g. A farmer This is conversion into dramatic form an event, a topic or a story in form suitable for dramatic presentation.

Types of Activity Based Learning-3 Educational Games • These are games that are designed to help students to learn about certain subjects, learn a skill and enhance concepts. Brainstorming • It is a group activity in which group members are encouraged to produce a large number of ideas quickly on a problem or a theme.

4 -Activity Based Learning • Problem Solving: This is a process of finding solution to the problem by using one or more concepts or formulae required information.

5 -Activity Based Learning-Types Project • This involve practical activity of investigation and solution of problems, planned and carried out by pupils in a natural “real life” situation. Discovery Learning • This learning through exploration or discovery. Learning by exploring or discovering many aspects of the environment on their own.

Activity Based Learning-Field Work-6 • This involves going to real life situations for observation of a particular object/objects, collect data, process and analyze it in order to arrive at a conclusion.

Activity Based Learning –Types-7 Quizzes • This is a competitive activity in which pupils should give the answers to the questions in a designated time span following predetermined rules. STEAM ACTIVITIES

Benefits of Activity Based Learning • Children can learn well when they learn in their surrounding environment. • When they actively participate and are involved in their own learning, they have better learning outcomes. • They learn on their own. • They make new discoveries. • Enhance communication skills and promote collaboration amongst the children. • Make teaching and learning fun.

Steps to take to organize Activity Based Learning in a classroom. • • Decide the Instructional/Learning goals. Understand the learners’ cognitive level and learning styles. Consider the nature of the subject. Know the time available to achieve the Instructional/ Learning Goals. Availability of human and non-human resources. Select or design the suitable activities. Provide for link between different activities and previous knowledge. Follow it up and bring about required changes in the activities for better use.

Conclusion Activity Based learning enhances student motivation and improves achievements in education at all levels helping the student to develop Higher Order Thinking skills (HOT). It bring s about efficient learning experiences and great learning outcomes in the students.