Hands-On Learning: Is It Still Needed in Higher Education?

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Throughout the learning process, educators have methods that help their students take in and apply their lessons better. As learners move on to college and even graduate studies, hands-on learning becomes ever more important to be effective. Why should universities still invest in tools to make this accessible to students?

More resources are available for higher learning

These educational institutes have a bigger array of tools that can be effectively used by a diverse student body. With different backgrounds and age groups filling the learning population, there is more need to find practical measures that can help the learning and even measure progress beyond written exams.

Helping students excel in their chosen fields of expertise requires necessary investments for lab equipment, technology, and different gear that fit their areas best. Because they are dealing with theories and studies that are more advanced than at lower levels, it’s more important to have the things they need to learn how to do something they will eventually do in their work.

As many Australian universities are funded, the allocation for enabling students to work hands-on is not impossible and even more important if the university wishes to produce capable graduates.

It is a necessary time to engage students

A significant number of students throughout Australia are experiencing mental health issues more than ever. In a recent survey, results showed that 82% of college students feel a lack of energy and motivation in their studies. It is with issues on stress, fatigue, and anxiety. The numbers are alarmingly high and inevitably affect how well students can soak up and focus on lectures and classes.

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While the main solution would be to help their mindfulness and adjust schedules accordingly, one of the most significant changes that can be made by teachers is by providing an environment that is conducive to learning. By allowing students to take part in activities that interest them, you can get their attention and make them feel more productive in their lessons. This can make classes feel like less of a chore, and it can even lessen the struggle of being able to understand different concepts when you have a million things running through your head.

It can better equip students for real life

A major issue that people in their 20s go through is coping with the demands of the “real world.” Often, the gripes are because they weren’t able to build up life skills in their school environments.

This can be tackled easily be hands-on learning. While it is still skewed towards specific lessons that are aligned with their subjects, it helps develop a diverse set of skills that they can put into practice even after they graduate. This can also better equip them for the demands of different work environments that can’t be solved by theories and memorization.

All in all, letting students be able to interact, collaborate, and create in higher education is as important as it is in other levels of learning. This is a crucial phase where they will be stocking up on their knowledge before having to face adulthood or professional careers. Going hands-on can give them a better starting point.

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