How activity-based learning boosts knowledge and retention?

Understanding Activity Method of Teaching

In the evolving educational world, traditional teaching methods are gradually being replaced by interactive and engaging strategies. Activity based learning is one such innovative approach that encourages students to actively participate in the learning process. Unlike conventional rote learning, an activity based curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences, real-life examples, and collaborative exercises to improve knowledge retention.

With an increasing shift toward student-centric education, activity based teaching is gaining momentum in schools. This article explores the concept, its history in India, benefits for children, implementation strategies, government initiatives, and the role of Bal Raksha Bharat, a child welfare NGO, (also known as Save the Children India) in making quality education accessible to less privileged children.

What is Activity Based Learning?

Activity Based Learning (ABL) is an instructional approach that emphasises learning through active participation rather than passive reception. It is based on the philosophy that children learn best when they engage with concepts through experiments, play, projects, and hands-on exercises.

Key characteristics of an activity centred curriculum include:

• Student Engagement: Encourages curiosity and self-driven learning.
• Practical Learning: Uses real-world applications to reinforce concepts.
• Collaborative Environment: Promotes teamwork and communication skills.
• Diverse Learning Methods: Incorporates storytelling, role-playing, puzzles, and games to cater to different learning styles.

Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on memorisation, activity based teaching encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of subjects through experiential learning.

History of Activity Based Learning in India

The concept of activity based learning dates back to progressive educational theories advocated by philosophers like John Dewey and Maria Montessori. Their principles emphasised learning by doing rather than by passive listening.

In India, the formal introduction of activity based teaching took place in the early 2000s as part of efforts to make education more engaging and accessible. Tamil Nadu was one of the first states to adopt the activity based curriculum in government schools, significantly improving student engagement and learning outcomes.

Over the years, school based activities have been integrated into various state and national educational policies, emphasising experiential learning across subjects. Today, ABL is widely recognised as a key strategy for improving the quality of education in India.