LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA• 41
ACTIVE METHODS OF LEARNING
An active approach to learning requires active
methods. These methods must be ones that
children enjoy that help them learn more effectively.
Active learning methods are used widely
throughout the Life Skills Education Toolkit.
- Discussions
Discussions help develop critical thinking,
communication and listening skills. They
require no materials and can be conducted with
small or large groups. The topic for discussion
should generate debate with questions about
“why” and “how.” Discussions can be generated
by asking questions, by narrating an incident or
a story or by looking at a picture.
Some Tips: A group size of five to seven is
recommended with children; facilitators can
start the discussion by sharing a personal story;
kick start the discussion by showing a picture
and saying, “pretend you are this person” or
“how would you feel” or “why are they doing
this in the picture” or other similar statements.- Stories
Stories develop communication and listening
skills, are loved by children and are a very
versatile tool. Stories can be told or read, and
children can create their own story as well. By
stopping the story at critical points, children can
help develop the story line and provide excellent
opportunities for discussion and learning. Do
not forget to dramatize: If you enjoy telling the
story, so will the children. Remember to process
the story so that the children can reflect on what
they have heard and learned and relate it to their
own lives.Some tips: Use simple local language, vary the
voice, be interactive and allow the children to
give names to characters. If children cannot
easily develop the story when you pause, you
could give three alternatives and ask the group
to choose one. When the story is over, look at it
again and ask at what point, if a different choice
was made, would the ending have been totally
different. Discuss whether something similar
has happened to you or your friend.- Pictures and Blackboard
Pictures can be used to generate discussion or
explanation. Children can draw pictures.
Blackboards can be used creatively to list, write
questions and draw pictures.
Some Tips: Encourage the children to “get” into
the picture; ask them what is happening in the
picture; use advertisements and encourage
children to look at them critically. - Demonstrations
Demonstrations help develop practical skills and
logical thinking. An idea is easier to understand
when you are able to demonstrate or show an
action, such as by using visuals or local
materials for survey results. - Visits and Visitors
Children learn skills of observation, critical
thinking and communication. Visits and meetings
with visitors provide ample opportunities to learn
from “real” people and from existing and available
resources. It is important to plan. Choose the
places to visit depending on the objectives. Prepare
the children, the visitors and the invitees before the
visit to get maximum learning out of this activity.