How a hands-on approach can compliment textbook learning

In Singapore schools, a textbook based learning is the norm. Science textbooks also introduced many concepts. We feel that by adding hands-on activities, they can reinforce what the students have studied in the text and make the learning experience more dynamic. Students will become more excited and curious and this creates a motivation for them to seek further knowledge.

Teachers will also find that using hands-on approach, the lessons becomes more interactive with their students. The participative atmosphere develops good teacher and student relationship. Science textbooks alone are not sufficient if not used with hands-on activities. Teachers that use only textbooks often wondered why the students are not interested in the subject. Teachers that go the extra effort to provide hands-on opportunities will find their students’ enthusiasm high and are keen on the subject. They also find that their students’ understand the concepts better.

The difference between a text-book style of learning science and a hands-on approach is that the text-book often offers facts and students mainly absorb and regurgitate the facts whilst a hands-on approach challenges students to be creative and solve problems through their discovery.

Text books should serve as reference material for students and not the only source of knowledge. Learning through doing and discovery through the hands-on method has more long term benefits and will help students’ retention of the facts.

Teaching with the text books is easy and less time consuming. It takes a great teacher with passion and motivation to implement hands-on learning to compliment textbooks.