5 ways to use interactive learning to drive better learning outcomes
By Conchi Ruiz Cabello, US Country Manager and Education Community Lead at Genially.
You’ll never see a kindergarten teacher imparting a lecture to their class, and the reason is obvious. Kindergarten students don’t have the attention span required to make this method effective. But do older students? And what about adults?
It turns out that the answer requires a look at more than just students’ attention span. Despite the continued use of a lecture model in many schools, interactive learning has been shown to be more conducive to deep learning and to improve both retention and comprehension of lesson content.
This is not only because it keeps students interested longer but also because interactive learning gives students an opportunity to actively engage with course material by problem solving and trying out different options rather than being led passively towards the correct solutions or definitions.
What is interactive learning?
Interactive learning is simply learning that elicits student engagement and participation. It can be applied to both in-person and virtual settings.
In its most basic form, interactive learning can look like group work or discussions; it is anything that achieves the participation of all students and not just the few that a teacher calls on. At its best, interactive learning is:
- hands-on
- student-centered
- immersive
With the rise of technology in the classroom, the possibilities for students to engage with their course materials are endless. Here are just a few of the ways you can apply an interactive learning model in your virtual, blended, or in-person classroom.
5 ways to implement interactive learning
Choice-based activities: Whether it’s setting up activity stations, handing out choice boards where students can opt into their favorite activities, or assigning a choose-your-own-adventure book, putting student choice at the center of an activity is always a good idea. It makes students feel important and encourages active learning.
Here’s an example of a choice board made with Genially for students studying Harper Lee’s classic How To Kill A Mockingbird:
Gamification: Who doesn’t love a good game? Adding gamified elements to your classwork can boost students’ motivation and turn learning into a healthy addiction. While game elements like badges and leaderboards have been shown to improve competence and autonomy with tasks, elements such as avatars, a meaningful story, and teammates have been proven to positively influence students’ feeling of social relatedness.
Those looking to seriously gamify their lessons may want to consider creating more than a one-off activity. Gamified activities draw power from their ability to offer a compelling story and context where students can get lost in an immersive environment. Think of it as creating a fantasy land where students can become someone else and explore a new place. Sounds fun, right?
If you’re just looking to try something small, you can review your next unit’s material with a board game. If you’re feeling especially creative, create an escape game. Let your imagination run wild.
Student researchers: Research doesn’t have to look like hours in the library or reading articles on the internet. Consider trying an activity where students get their answers from one another through surveys and interviews.
Flexibility: Part of setting up an interactive environment is showing students that their voice and feedback matters. Consider allowing them to have a larger say in how they spend their time either by allowing them to choose between two activities for the day or by leaving a free choice time.
Ice breakers: Contrary to popular belief, ice breakers can be a great tool for more than just the start of the year. Shake things up a bit by giving students a short activity after coming back from a break or at the start of each class.
Have them problem solve together or explore unusual material. Present a short list of fun or surprising facts and have them write a reflection around one of them to discuss with a partner. Not feeling creative? When in doubt, Google has the answers.
Breaking up their routine with something they don’t always do can do wonders for focusing students’ attention and getting them re-energized for what’s ahead.
Figuring out your next step
Each class is different, and no one knows your students like you do. Choose an item from our list or come up with your own based around the concept of interactive learning.
What’s important is to choose one that feels fairly accessible and not like a huge stretch. You can always add to your new activity type once you’ve integrated it into your normal schedule.
Do you have examples of interactive learning activities that weren’t mentioned here? We’d love to hear about them!
Genially received the 2021 EdTechX Startup Award for Innovation and Growth. Read more about the 2021 EdTechX All Stars Awards here>>
