Many psychologists, biologists, and mathematicians have talked about learning and given their input in trying to improve our understanding of the process. So in this context, today we will talk about interactive learning.
Let’s start by defining learning and interaction. According to the Royal Academy of Language, the former concept refers to the ‘acquisition of a continuous behaviour by practice’, and the latter to an ‘action that is exerted between two or more objects, persons, agents, forces, functions, etc.” Now, what is interactive learning?
Interactive learning: what is it?
It is dynamic learning associated with movement. It is characterised by providing motivating activities that encourage the person to remain active and to deepen their knowledge. For this, various actors and elements are required:
- Teacher: works as a leader who motivates learning.
- Students: remain active during the learning process.
- Space: may or may not be a classroom, the important thing is that it is conducive to learning.
In interactive learning, various tools can be included to help achieve the set objectives. It is important to keep learning, avoiding procrastination.
How to teach interactively?
It is important that learning activities are based on a constant dialogue. The idea is that the teacher becomes more involved in learning, but in a global manner, in other words, that it goes beyond the theoretical. Aligned with the environment and the objectives, the teacher should:
- Plan the learning process.
- Intervene to motivate learning and guide students.
- Supervise students’ work.
- Be open to dialogue.
- Generate positive expectations about the content to be covered.
- Be innovative in the learning process.
- To be dynamic and in tune with the curricular process.
- Therefore, the teacher acts as a learning facilitator. For this, in addition to the characteristics mentioned, he or she should have self-knowledge and self-management. Therefore, in this type of learning, emotions, cognitions and behaviour also count. In fact, we are talking about a person who should give the example: he shows and the students watch, to later repeat or create something new.
Moreover, in interactive learning, intelligence is seen in an integral way, so that it does not only provide intellectual development. Artistic and cultural skills, empathy, self-regulation, etc., also count. The teacher, as a guide, must be aware of and help improve these abilities. Fantastic, isn’t it?
How to learn interactively?
The learner is an (active) actor in interactive learning. Therefore, he/she can be involved in all activities; for example, by expounding on a topic. Moreover, he receives feedback not only from his teacher, but also from his peers and from himself. You can work on:
- Flipped classroom: the best virtual and face-to-face strategies are adopted. In addition, the student can develop various skills that will enable them to have comprehensive learning.
- Activities that promote learning by skills. This is about learning step by step until you develop a certain competence.
- Interaction with technological or non-technological resources. The student should relate to various tools that facilitate learning; for example, participating in a brainstorming session in a virtual and shared space, making a video exhibition, learning through games, etc.
There are many places dedicated to education that use interactive learning. The important thing is to seek them out if we want to be part of this way of learning. Although the process is slow, it is getting stronger and richer with each technological advancement that is put to use in learning. It is not just primary schools; this is also evident in higher education.
Conclusion on interactive learning
Interactive learning emphasises a relationship built in different environments, in which teacher, student, and classmates are involved, dynamically and consciously, and each participant makes a contribution. It goes beyond classical learning models, integrating them into an innovative proposal.
