Activity-Based Approach in EVS : 4 steps to boost active learning

Que: When using the activity-based approach for teaching environmental studies, the given steps should be practiced. Arrange these steps in the correct order and then choose the correct order.

1. Revising
2. Reflecting
3. Plan the activity
4. Conducting the activity

Options:

a) 3214 

b) 4213

c) 2134

d) 3421

Answer-  d) 3421

Explanation:-

An activity-based approach is an approach in which the child actively participates in games or activities. This approach allows the child to be physically and mentally active rather than a passive learner. It is a child- centered approach, enabling children to learn in an efficient and fear-free manner.

Use of the activity in EVS

As an environmental studies teacher, it may take some time to create appropriate activities for the content being taught, but the long-lasting learning outcomes make it worthwhile. This approach differs from the lecture or demonstration method as it places the responsibility of learning on the teacher, who determines how and when the child learns.

Why is it needed?

Today’s educational requirements emphasize the use of child-centered approaches to encourage children to take responsibility for their learning and actively participate in the learning process.

Steps of activity-based approach in EVS

The activity-based approach involves four steps:-

1. Planning:- This is the first step of the activity-based approach. The teacher has to make a list or a draft of the objectives of the content that the child will learn through the activity, including the resources that will be needed.
   As we are using it in EVS, it is important to identify the major objectives of EVS and determine if these are fulfilled in this activity. After arranging all, the teacher needs to make a proper plan of the activity, including time, rules, and resources.
2. Conducting:- this is the second stage. After planning the activity, we need to conduct it in the classroom. According to the activity, we can arrange it in the classroom or on the ground.
   
   • While conducting, the teacher needs to work in these phases:-
     • Initiate the activity –first, set an introduction to the topic and then introduce the activity and provide information about the rules and objectives as well.
     • Proceed with the activity –Second, it’s the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that the activity is going well as expected and that the students are performing as expected.
     • End of the activity – Third, after doing the activity, students will reflect on their learning, objectives, and experiences.
3. Reflecting on the process:- This is the third step of the activity-based approach. Now, the teacher will evaluate if the objectives are met or not. The teacher will make notes on the activity, results, and outcomes and will learn from the experiences.
4. Revise:- In the fourth step, the teacher realizes the benefits, achievements, and strengths of the activity, including the drawbacks.

Conclusion:-

Hence, we can conclude that the steps in the activity-based approach are planning, conducting, reflecting, and revising.

About Activity-Based Approach:

The activity-based learning approach was given by Mr. David Horsburgh. He was a British educationist who gave a new way of learning. He was born in 1923 in England and died in 1984 in India. He first came to India in 1943 when he was serving the Royal Air Force. He introduced this approach in 1944 in his school Neel Bagh.

This approach directly involves children in the learning with active participation. They actively construct their knowledge by playing, creating, and solving problems. This approach helps them participate in tasks, hands-on experiences, and real-life situations. EVS is a subject that needs active learning. Students need to be taught through different activities for clearing doubts and concepts.

In the traditional classroom, there was no activity; all the teaching was done monotonously. The teacher would teach, and students had to listen and memorize it for exams. There was no scope for actual learning; students learned just to pass the exam. However, today, in activity-based learning, there is no scope for rote memorization. Students build their own knowledge by engaging in different activities, and the teacher facilitates the learning.

It also gives the right to children to decide how they want to learn, not just sitting on the bench and listening to the teacher and reading the book.

Activity-Based Learning in India:

This approach was first initiated in India in Tamil Nadu by Mr. M.P. Vijay Kumar. The activity-based approach was implemented through Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was initiated all over India to provide quality education through active participation of students. The main focus was on primary education, where activity-based learning is mostly used.