There is huge dissatisfaction amongst parents with mainstream education, about the concept of rote learning and cramming lessons that never benefits the students in the long run. Our education system glorifies academics and the ‘need’ for good scores on the mark sheet. But the need of the moment is a holistic approach that promotes multi-dimensional learning. Looking at some unconventional teaching methods that are being put to good use in the classrooms these days:
Studies have shown that a research based approach learning is better and more effective for the children. University of Warwick specifies the benefits of a research based approach as it is a manner of active learning and skills development. A research based method also keeps the students motivated and since it actively involves the students in the entire process, the students’ understanding about the topic at hand increases.
Teaching the students around a similar topic, covering all subjects instead of just one integrates further understanding. For instance, if there is a poem to be covered on mountaineers Edward Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in the English syllabus. The science teacher could discuss the various forms of water whereas the social science class could be about mountaineers who have managed to climb the Everest Summit.
While watching movies is interesting and fun at the same time, it can also be educational. For instance, if the social science syllabi covers the topic of the Holocaust, a movie or documentary on Anne Frank would be helpful and educational.
The teaching method of asking the students to read up about the next topic that is to be covered in the class can help the class to become a lot more interactive and make it a two-way classroom, making it more discussion based.
Field trips or excursions can prove to be educational where the students can learn while actively participating in an activity in the field instead of a classroom.