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Learning by doing is a learning method based on research and experimentation. The objectives of this methodology are to encourage participation, activity and fellowship. Moreover, sharing ideas with other colleagues, discovery through trial and error and decision making are some of its basic pillars.
The origins of this methodology date back to World War II. Specifically, during the Weimar Republic. At that time, the goal of education was to achieve free thinking. Years later, John Dewey established the concept of learning by doing based on the fact that students learn better if they maintain interest and motivation through the practical application of what they have studied.
But, how do we apply learning by doing at Casvi International American School?
Learning by doing puts all its efforts in getting people to perform certain actions and see their effects. Afterwards, we study the results obtained to see the impact that each specific action has had in order to predict the effects of future actions.
Thus, the process of this methodology occurs as follows:
-Problem statement
-Development of ideas individually
-Sharing of the concepts with the rest of the colleagues and debate.
-Practical solution to the problem
In this method, we obtained knowledge, competencies and personal conditions through experiences. Simulation or problem-posing allows students to make decisions that generate strategic lines. Besides, it leads them to put their efforts into ordering ideas to achieve good results.
A maxim that learning by doing takes into account is that each person learns in a different way and therefore people should be actively involved in the process following their own times.
All this is directly related to the International Baccalaureate methodology that we have at Casvi International American School. This provides each student with a unique and flexible environment, where they can develop the necessary skills to excel in any subject and develop their talent and potential. In addition, learning by doing is an important aspect of the American curriculum.
At Casvi International American School, we encouraged learning by doing. Students take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. To achieve this, we carried out practical activities both inside and outside the classroom.
For example, to put into practice what they learned in Math and Design classes about 3D shapes and cross-sections, Grade 7 students went on a field trip to an architectural firm.
Also in Science, to learn about the phases of the Moon, Grade 8 students did a hands-on activity in the assembly hall. Everything was dark and only a flashlight representing the Sun was left on. Each student stood around the Sun and used a white polystyrene ball, which simulated the Moon, to orbit around his or her head as the Earth does. Through this simulation, light shone on various parts of the polystyrene ball and students were able to identify lunar phases and eclipses.
“Learning is experience, everything else is information”.
Learning by doing allows working on a series of soft skills such as:
-Participation: the key to the success of a project. If everyone is involved in the process, it will be possible to act better in new situations.
-Communication: facilitates the exchange of ideas among students. It also encourages active listening and empathy for the opinions of others.
-Innovation: finding the common ground between different points of view is required. Students need to be able to offer viable alternatives that incorporate everyone’s ideas.
-Learning by trial and error: this is fundamental. Learning is about trial and error. This encourages adaptation to new ideas.
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