Active Learning

It is found that children who are taught using active learning programs, learn better and retain what they've learned longer than those that don't use this method. Active learning is often used not just in the regular classroom but for children with disabilities as well. Children with attention deficit disorder have improved when using this type of teaching. Including a selection of activities for the active child to participate in will help keep them focused. Audio and visual aids are considered a part of an active learning program and have obtained good results. Remember to keep distractions to a minimum and include interesting projects that include pictures and sounds.

Brief lessons are better than long attention taking projects. If you do incorporate a longer lesson, break it up into shorter parts, giving an easily distracted child time to regroup. Involving students in active learning has provided positive results. One way to include active learning is by asking your students to respond with movement. Don't just have them raise their hand when they know an answer, instead, ask the children to stand, hop, or turn in circles. These movement activities will help the kinesthetic child retain much more information and will help keep their attention.

Active learning can not only increase attention but can raise test scores. Hands-on activities are often a child’s favorite activity and can sustain interest for a longer period of time. Incorporate cooperative learning along with active learning and you’re sure to have a successful classroom. It has been found that students that utilize active learning often do so better if given single one-part directions. Don't overwhelm the student with a long list of instructions. Keeping it simple is your best bet. Verbal instructions often work best when given along with visual aids. Teachers have discovered that providing all students with several learning styles will benefit the class as a whole. Whether a student is visual, kinesthetic or auditory, implementing active learning will serve your classroom well.