The activity based learning (ABL) is commonly defined as activities that students do to construct knowledge and understanding. The activities vary but require students to do thinking. The student thinking about their own learning is an important link between activity and learning. Under Activity Based learning education, main focus is on the student or we can say that it is one of student-centred approach. It develops self-learning skill among the learners and allows a student to study according to his or her skill.
In the process of learning, student experience, memorize and understand. Students need to be provided with data and materials necessary to focus their thinking and interaction in the lesson for the process of analyzing the information. It requires active problem solving by students in finding solution by their own investigation and analysis. With continued practice in these processes, students learn not the content of the lesson but also develop many other skills.
- It enhances creativity.
- It gives reality for learning.
- Builds the student’s self-confidence.
- Gets experiences, develop interest and provides motivation for reading.
- A student who lacks in verbal expression can make up through activity.
- Social relation provides opportunity to mix with others.
Activity Based Teaching (ABT) Method is a
technique adopted by a teacher to emphasize his or her method
of teaching through activity in which the students should
be engaged through actions. This is in contrast to some traditional forms of
teaching in which an educator lectures or otherwise relays information to
students who are expected to absorb what they are told. In activity-based teaching,
an educator serves the function of facilitator, assisting students through the learning process and
providing them with guidance. The educator uses different methods to draw the
students into the lesson and make them a partner in their own education. This
is often accomplished through the creation of different activities and projects
that students work on as they learn. Teachers using this method need to create
lessons and plans that provide students with opportunities to take part in
their education.
Steps required for Effective Organization of Activities:
a. Planning.
b. For each activity ensure you follow the principles of:-
- What?
- How? Work directions step by step, including:
- With whom? Where? How long?
- What after?
c. Ensure you give clear instructions before each activity. It must focus on the above.
Role of a Teacher in an Activity Based Method
- A planner, an organizer and evaluator
- Facilitator
- Decision maker
- Knowledge imparter
- Disciplinarian
There are many different activities that can be integrated into a lecture-based course such as:
1. Student-generated test questions.
Provide students with your learning goals for a particular topic and a figure summarizing Blooms Taxonomy. Challenge groups of students to create test questions corresponding to your learning goals and different levels of the taxonomy. Consider having each group share their test question with the whole class. This approach helps students consider what they know as well as implications of the teacher’s stated learning goals.
2. Strip sequence
Give students the steps in a process on strips of paper that are jumbled; ask them to work together to reconstruct the proper sequence. This approach can strengthen students’ logical thinking processes.
3. Debate
A debate is a good way to encourage class participation in large groups without losing control, and they can work in any discipline. Instructors can plan debates beforehand, or they can emerge spontaneously from classroom material.
4. Case study
A good case study:
- Presents students with a situation they can relate to from their own life experience.
- Includes realistic information.
- Has a conflict that students can resolve.
5. Field trip
It facilitates some types of learning that cannot take place in a classroom. A field trip to a professional institution can show students where their studies may lead them. A field trip for the purpose of gathering data can give students practice with research techniques and show them the relevance of course material to the outside world.
6. One-minute paper
These activities are a flexible way to acquire candidate feedback on the course material and your presentation style. It can be done quickly and it shows students that they can write quickly and spontaneously, and enhances general writing ability.
7. Ungraded quiz
It encourages students to pay attention during lectures by presenting them with a short-term, non-threatening learning objective. It can be done very quickly, and also provides you with a source of candid feedback on students’ knowledge level.
About Author
Dr. Sanjay L. Haridas is working as a Professor in the department of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering and Dean Academics at JDCOEM. He has 32 years of teaching experience. He has published 42 research papers in reputed national and international journals. One patent and 7 copyright are against his name. His area of interest is VLSI, Digital Communication etc.
