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Essay / Active learning - 510
Active learning “Hear and forget, see and remember, do and understand. » ~ Chinese ProverbStated simply by Dr. D. Robinson: “Active learning is 'doing' and that leads to understanding. Learning by doing is a theme that many educators have emphasized since John Dewey's compelling argument that "children should be engaged in an active pursuit of learning and new ideas." (Hendrikson, 1984) Jean Piaget also emphasized the need for concrete interventions in early childhood. Some educators incorrectly assume that active learning is only important in the education of young children. However, Piaget clarifies that this is not the case: “Experience is always necessary for intellectual development... the subject must be active...” (Hendrikson, 1984). Students are more attentive when they are actively involved in the learning process. As the lesson is student-centered, they feel their role in the activity is important. Active learning is especially important in the education of young children because it not only keeps the student interested in the lesson, but also helps them retain more information. Research shows that when people engage in action rather than just listening and watching, they learn better. » (Peterson, 1996) Because students learn fundamental lessons in early childhood, it is important that they retain the information they learn. Active learning also has the benefit of promoting attributes that employers will value....