Is Hands-on Learning the Secret to Getting Your Students to Engage?
Teachers are always looking for new strategies to engage our students and help them thrive academically. The link between student engagement and improved learning outcomes is more than a theory; the numbers tell the story:
- Students who are engaged in what they are learning are 2.5 times more likely to have higher grades in school.
- Students who are engaged are 4.5 times more hopeful and positive about their academic futures.
- Student engagement has been determined to be a direct predictor of students’ learning and personal development.
With so many different learning styles and evolving classroom dynamics, finding effective teaching methods can be challenging. At Envision, we’ve seen firsthand how hands-on, experiential learning can transform the way students absorb information and develop critical skills for the future. In this blog, we’ll share five essential student learning tips that can enhance your teaching approach, help you reach every learner, and empower your students to achieve their full potential.
5 Student Hands-on Learning Tips Every Teacher Should Know
1. Incorporate Hands-On Learning for Deeper Engagement
One of the most effective ways to enhance student learning is through hands-on learning activities. When students actively participate in their own learning process, they retain information better and develop critical thinking skills. Whether it’s science experiments, group projects, or simulations, hands-on learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
Experiential learning programs emphasize active participation. Teachers can incorporate even small hands-on activities into their lessons to foster deeper understanding and keep students engaged. Students are more likely to retain information and remain motivated when they can see the direct application of their learning.
Tip for teachers: Introduce role-playing exercises, simulations, or project-based learning activities. For example, turn a history lesson into a mock trial or have students design a business plan for an economics class.
2. Differentiate Instruction to Meet Diverse Learning Styles
Not all students learn the same way, and understanding this is key to helping them thrive. Whether a student learns best by seeing, hearing, or doing, recognizing these diverse learning styles can transform their experience in the classroom. As a teacher, you can tailor your instruction to meet these varying needs, providing students with multiple ways to grasp the same material.
Hands-on learning experiences like the ones offered at Envision help students explore different learning styles—whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. By varying your teaching methods to include videos, group discussions, and hands-on activities, you can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Tip for teachers: Consider conducting a simple learning styles survey to identify which styles resonate with your students. From there, you can design lessons that offer options for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
3. Encourage Collaboration to Build Critical Thinking and Communication Skills
Group work is more than just a way to get students working together—it’s a powerful tool for developing critical thinking and communication skills. Collaborative learning encourages students to engage with different perspectives, challenge their own thinking, and learn to work as part of a team. In many career fields, teamwork is essential, and the earlier students can develop these skills, the better prepared they will be for life beyond school.
Through Envision’s hands-on learning programs, students participate in group projects and team-based activities that mirror real-world challenges. As a teacher, encouraging peer collaboration in your classroom not only helps students learn from each other but also teaches them how to articulate their ideas clearly and listen to others.
Tip for teachers: Incorporate collaborative projects where students must rely on each other to solve a problem, such as group research assignments or team-based challenges that require collective brainstorming and decision-making.
4. Use Technology as a Tool for Personalized Learning
Technology has revolutionized the way we teach and learn, offering countless resources that make personalized learning more accessible. Educational technology allows you to provide students with individualized learning experiences that cater to their unique needs and pace. From interactive apps and online simulations to virtual field trips, technology allows students to explore subjects in greater depth while making learning more dynamic and fun.
Hands-on learning programs can tap into cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience, giving students the tools they need to succeed in a tech-driven world. For teachers, integrating technology into their classroom doesn’t have to be complex—simple tools like educational apps, online quizzes, or interactive lessons can significantly improve student engagement.
Tip for teachers: Explore platforms like Google Classroom or educational apps that allow for interactive learning experiences. Use tech tools to provide instant feedback, personalized assignments, and access to a wealth of resources for independent learning.
5. Foster a Growth Mindset to Encourage Lifelong Learning
One of the most impactful lessons you can teach your students is the concept of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Encouraging a growth mindset helps students embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. When students view learning as a continuous journey, they are more likely to take ownership of their education and become self-motivated learners.
Hands-on learning programs emphasize the importance of developing a growth mindset, preparing students to tackle future challenges with confidence and resilience. By fostering this mindset in your classroom, you can help students develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
Tip for teachers: Encourage students to set personal learning goals, celebrate their progress, and emphasize effort over perfection. Share stories of famous innovators or scientists who embraced challenges and turned failure into success.
As a teacher, you have the incredible opportunity to shape the future by guiding students through their academic journey. By integrating these student learning tips—from hands-on learning and collaboration to personalized instruction and fostering a growth mindset—you can create a classroom environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.
At Envision, we are committed to helping educators inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Through experiential learning, we believe that every student has the power to succeed when given the right tools and opportunities. Let these tips serve as a guide to enhancing your students’ learning experience, and together, let’s help them prepare for a brighter future.