Activity based teaching strategy

concept:

• is the form of teaching where the learner is actively engaged in a task
• focus is on making the abstract concrete and on learning by doing
• can be teacher-driven - with direction from an instructor - or learner-driven with the learner having freedom to explore.

Principles 

• Encourage contact between student and faculty
• Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students
• Practical uses active learning techniques
• Emphasizes time on task(effective learning)
• Communicates high expectations 
• respects diverse talents and ways of learning(respecting each other talents)

Kinds of learning Activity

Ø  Absorb-type

-include presentations, demonstrations, stories, and field trips

-informs the learner

Ø   Do-type

-include practice, discovery, and playing games

-allows the learner to practice what they’ve learned

-learner is able to actively seek, select, and create knowledge

Ø  Connect-type

-provide a way to link learning to life, work and future learning .

-lets the learner put what they’ve learned to use.

Criteria for organizing activities

Ø  Should be relevant

Ø  Time bound

Ø  Should contain meaning

Ø  Involves real world experiences

Ø  Involves skills (listening, speaking, writing, etc….)

Ø  Engage cognitive progress. (selecting, classifying, ordering and reasoning)

Ø  Have particular out come.

Procedural steps

              1.   planning

        2.  instructions

       3. monitoring

       4.  evaluating

Role of the teacher

Ø  Plan and prepare in advance.

Ø  Giving instruction.

Ø  Facilitating.

Ø  Debriefing.

Ø  Clarifying learner’s doubts.

Ø  Set up routines and expectations for learning.

Ø   Monitor the results using appropriate assessment strategies and recording devices, e.g., checklists, rubrics etc.

Ø  Choose activities that are relevant and stimulating for students.

Ø  Provide opportunities for students to present to an appropriate audience. Observe group dynamics and co-operation.

Ø   Support and encourage students