The many faces of learning in the classroom

Key points:

There's no denying it: classroom learning is changing. Today's classrooms could be in-person, online or hybrid. Classrooms can be student-led, focus on project-based learning, or offer learning through a specialized topic such as STEM.

And although today's classrooms look different, students and teachers are still the center of classroom learning.

Let's take a look at some trends in classroom learning and how these trends are impacting the future of education.

What is a classroom learning activity?

Project-based learning is one of the most sensible solutions to the variety of needs that teachers must try to meet for each student because it allows student autonomy and focuses on specific areas. The concept revolves around the idea of ​​students completing a project on a single topic (ideally choosing their own topics to promote interest and motivation) and, in doing so, diving deeply into that topic and ultimately , become an expert in it. Projects can be completed individually or in a collaborative effort, promoting group work and social skills. Because students control their learning in the PBL approach, differentiation is simple, if necessary, as students conduct their own learning at their own pace and present their learning in a way that makes sense to them. One of the most significant benefits of PBL is that it addresses students' questions as they learn, encouraging curiosity and perseverance in
learn rather than having to stick to a specific curriculum. This is how an educator advocates for more PBL in classrooms through effective teaching strategies.

What is an example of learning by doing in the classroom?

Classroom learning is much more successful when students engage in that learning through interactive classroom activities. Whether students take the bus to school or run downstairs to the computer lab, keeping them engaged in their classwork throughout the day is the best way to master content and advance to the next level of their education. But not all students do this, or at least do it well. So how can teachers and principals up their game to keep students engaged and make sure every child stays focused and ready to learn? A teacher with more than 20 years of experience offers 6 tips to help keep students engaged throughout the day, whether they're in a traditional or virtual classroom.

What class activities help you learn more?

Educational technology tools are invaluable when implemented correctly by trained educators and can help reluctant students come out of their shell. Engaging shy students in K-12 classrooms can be a rewarding challenge, and educational technology is a valuable tool for creating inclusive and interactive learning environments. Many educators are merging one with the other, discovering strategies to use educational technology to engage shy students. By leveraging educational technology tools and educational activities for students, teachers can encourage engagement, build trust, and deliver personalized learning experiences for great classroom learning. Explore these five strategies for using educational technology to engage shy students.

What is an advantage of classroom learning?

Classroom learning doesn't have to happen indoors. COVID was a national moment in the windowed classroom. In the fall of 2020, many districts, schools, and individual educators across the country began learning outdoors out of necessity, and their learning activities and strategies flourished. Green Schoolyards America led a beautiful collective effort to document outdoor learning practices in a National Outdoor Learning Library. Discover how one teacher is dedicated to using the outdoors as the perfect environment for classroom learning.

What is the learning process in class?

Classroom learning is most impactful when students feel safe and can be themselves in their classrooms. Every educator knows that weirdness is what makes our students grow. After all, curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking don't flourish in a stagnant mind. So instead of wringing our hands over the social ecosystem, let's encourage our students to think more strangely through fun classroom activities for students. These are just three benefits of allowing students to embrace their inner weirdness.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

Latest messages from Laura Ascione (see everything)