Conventionally, teaching is imparted through a lecture-based format where students are taught using a blackboard and are assigned worksheets. With the advent of new technologies, students can benefit from more engaging and interactive lessons. By incorporating interactive activities in the classroom, teachers and students could make the lessons more interesting. (1) Interactive teaching can be introduced at all levels including at the elementary level. It can be involved in several ways. (1)
Benefits of Interactive Teaching
Interactive teaching methods should be implemented as they contribute towards active learning. Students are more likely to be active, present and receptive during the learning process. Interactive teaching can help teachers by allowing them to incorporate new elements in their teaching styles. (1) Interactive teaching implies that without practical application, students fail to understand the depth of the study material. When used by a good teacher, interactive teaching can make students excited to learn. (2)
Interactive teaching offers the following –
It helps make students free thinkers – Interactive teaching place students in a situation where they can uncover their ability to solve problems. They learn how to make a decision and develop strong research acumen. Furthermore, interactive teaching makes the lesson more enjoyable. (1)
It makes better use of resources – Interactive teaching incorporate diverse teaching tools to facilitate learning. By using online materials, it ensures the students can learn at their own pace which makes learning easier. It also makes revision easier to enforce the learning outcome. Students are blessed with different learning capacities. Interactive teaching incorporates different styles to suit the students’ requirements. (1)
It boosts motivation – Interactive teaching is observed to instil motivation and help engage the students in the classroom. Through interactivity, the lessons can make students competitive and invested in the learning outcome. Group activity is an effective way to make the learning process more enjoyable by allowing students to finish an assignment with classmates. (1)
Interactive Teaching Activities
Interactive education allows a break from the traditional teaching style and encourages students to apply more attention and participation. The idea is to stimulate a response and garner a hands-on approach to learning. (2) These are tried and tested activities that provide more positive learning outcomes. These interactive teaching activities are easily imitated in the classrooms and deliver efficient results:
Thinking Pair – Teachers can conduct an easy exercise where they establish a problem and pair students to solve it. One student can explain a concept while the other evaluates the lessons being imparted. The exercise can be conducted in different variations to ensure students are engaged and communicative. (2)
Group Session – Group sessions allow students to discuss a single topic and share their ideas and opinions. Every participant is encouraged to share their thoughts. This method also allows students to learn from their peers and can be a stimulating learning exercise. (2)
Case Study Process – This activity involves conducting a case study without the rigidity that comes with it. The focus of this method lies in teaching students to solve real problems outside a classroom scenario. Form groups and ask the students to work on a solution. (2)
Q&A Sessions – This easy exercise allows students to be more attentive by asking them to jot down questions related to the subject matter being taught. Students would then be given to share their questions and seek answers from the class. (2)
Moving Forward
Thus, there are many benefits associated with interactive teaching. Research suggests that interactive teaching methods lead to positive student outcomes and more attention from the students. Interactive teaching methods also lead to better retention and students can perform better. (3)
Initially, interactive teaching methods may face some resistance from the students. Since these methods involve greater effort on part of the students, teachers might face repercussion. Teachers must explain why the interactive methods are being introduced. Furthermore, teachers can also explain the specific reasons why a certain method was chosen, the learning outcomes aimed at and the student’s unique abilities. (3)
Ruby Park Public School: Pioneers in Education
Ruby Park Public School aims at educating and nurturing students to become a strong community of responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow. With a holistic curriculum, the students are taught life skills via an education pattern, supported by a counselling and disciplinary system that cares for the student’s mental health.
Being affiliated with the CBSE board, it visions to impart 21st-century skills to its students and maintain a delicate balance between traditional values and modern ethos. The stimulating and peaceful learning environment has stimulated the students to successfully achieve the highest standards of discipline and excellence in their educational endeavours.
For more information, visit www.rubypark.com.
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