How activity-based learning boosts knowledge and retention?

09/07/25

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Understanding Activity Method of Teaching

In the evolving educational world, traditional teaching methods are gradually being replaced by interactive and engaging strategies. Activity based learning is one such innovative approach that encourages students to actively participate in the learning process. Unlike conventional rote learning, an activity based curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences, real-life examples, and collaborative exercises to improve knowledge retention.

With an increasing shift toward student-centric education, activity based teaching is gaining momentum in schools. This article explores the concept, its history in India, benefits for children, implementation strategies, government initiatives, and the role of Bal Raksha Bharat, a child welfare NGO, (also known as Save the Children India) in making quality education accessible to less privileged children.

What is Activity Based Learning?

Activity Based Learning (ABL) is an instructional approach that emphasises learning through active participation rather than passive reception. It is based on the philosophy that children learn best when they engage with concepts through experiments, play, projects, and hands-on exercises.

Key characteristics of an activity centred curriculum include:

• Student Engagement: Encourages curiosity and self-driven learning.
• Practical Learning: Uses real-world applications to reinforce concepts.
• Collaborative Environment: Promotes teamwork and communication skills.
• Diverse Learning Methods: Incorporates storytelling, role-playing, puzzles, and games to cater to different learning styles.

Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on memorisation, activity based teaching encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of subjects through experiential learning.

History of Activity Based Learning in India

The concept of activity based learning dates back to progressive educational theories advocated by philosophers like John Dewey and Maria Montessori. Their principles emphasised learning by doing rather than by passive listening.

In India, the formal introduction of activity based teaching took place in the early 2000s as part of efforts to make education more engaging and accessible. Tamil Nadu was one of the first states to adopt the activity based curriculum in government schools, significantly improving student engagement and learning outcomes.

Over the years, school based activities have been integrated into various state and national educational policies, emphasising experiential learning across subjects. Today, ABL is widely recognised as a key strategy for improving the quality of education in India.

Read Also: What Is the Role of Education in Human Capital Formation & Progress

Benefits of Activity Based Learning for Children

Here are some benefits of this method:

• Enhances Knowledge Retention: Learning through activity based teaching helps children remember concepts better as they actively engage with the material.
• Develops Critical Thinking Skills: Encourages students to analyse, question, and solve problems rather than memorise answers.
• Encourages Creativity: An activity centred curriculum allows children to express their ideas freely and develop innovative solutions.
• Builds Confidence and Communication Skills: Group projects and discussions improve social skills and boost self-esteem.
• Makes Learning Fun and Interactive: Incorporating school based activities like role-plays, science experiments, and field trips makes education more enjoyable.
• Bridges the Learning Gap: Helps slow learners grasp concepts better through personalised and interactive learning experiences.

Implementation of Activity Based Learning in Schools

Effective implementation of an activity based curriculum requires a structured approach. Schools integrate ABL through:

• Interactive Classrooms: Teachers use storytelling, debates, and hands-on experiments to explain concepts.
• Thematic Learning: Subjects are taught through projects and case studies to connect lessons with real-life scenarios.
• Experiential Learning Labs: Science and technology are taught through practical experiments, fostering curiosity.
• Outdoor Learning: Field trips and nature walks provide hands-on exposure to subjects like environmental science and geography.
• Gamification of Education: Integrating digital tools, puzzles, and simulations enhances engagement.

Some successful activity based learning examples include:

• Mathematics: Teaching fractions using pizza slices or beads.
• Science: Explaining the water cycle through real-life demonstrations.
• History: Recreating historical events through skits and storytelling.
• Language Learning: Enhancing vocabulary with word games and role-playing exercises.

Government Initiatives Supporting Activity Based Learning

Recognising the impact of activity based teaching, the Government of India has introduced various policies to promote ABL in schools:

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasises experiential and inquiry-based learning.
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Encourages the use of activity based curriculum to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Digital Initiatives: Programmes like DIKSHA and E-Pathshala provide interactive resources for teachers and students.
• Teacher Training Programmes: Educators are trained in the activity method of teaching to ensure effective implementation.

Our Role in Expanding Activity Based Learning

At Bal Raksha Bharat, an education NGO, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. While government initiatives have made significant progress, our work focuses on ensuring that activity based learning reaches the most marginalised communities, giving less privileged children a chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

• Setting Up Learning Centres: We establish classrooms that follow an activity-centred curriculum, making learning engaging and interactive for marginalised children.
• Teacher Training: We equip educators with innovative activity based teaching strategies to enhance student participation and comprehension.
• Mobile Learning Programmes: We bring the activity based curriculum to remote areas through digital and mobile classrooms, ensuring learning continues beyond traditional settings.
• Community Engagement: We actively involve parents and local communities in their children’s education through workshops and hands-on school based activities.

Through these initiatives, we integrate activity based learning examples into education, ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the same opportunities as their peers. Our commitment to experiential learning empowers students to build confidence, think critically, and develop essential skills for a brighter future.

Soumi Halder

Manager-Program Campaign and Communication, Programme Support

“With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. I am Manager for Programme Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children)."