Previously, we discussed about Blended Learning approach in classrooms along with its models. Blended learning has taken over most of the schools around the world, for the past 7 years. There are a number of reasons why schools and learning institutes have started adopting blended learning in their classrooms. Some of the most valid reasons discussed below, justify to why blended learning is an effective and efficient learning approach.
Improved Pedagogy:
One of the most commonly mentioned reasons of blended learning approach is the effective pedagogical practices. Even today, most of the schools, colleges, and even corporate sectors adopt hoary approach of learning rather than interactive strategies. 83% of the higher educational institutes’ teachers use lecture and deductive methods as their predominant teaching strategy. Similarly, distant education suffers from making the students absorb large amount of content all by themselves.
Blended Learning approach is very effective in increasing pedagogical practices. It focuses on improving active learning strategies, peer interactive learning strategies, student-centered approach, and inductive methodology of teaching difficult content.
Making Learning Fun:
As technology has transformed our world completely, the impact has also affected our present generation and the one to come. Students are more engaged in technological devices for their entertainment and educational purposes. The students of the present era do not like to be a part of a boring teacher-centered class. Their interest in learning diminishes gradually. Therefore, the teachers must incorporate such teaching methodologies that enhances students’ learning.
By implementing Blended Learning the teacher can turn learning into more fun rather than making students go to sleep. Blended Learning help teachers incorporate new strategies like, teaching through games, making students watch any video or movie related to the content, taking students for an excursion, storytelling, etc. These strategies encourage students to be independent learners, think critically and out of the box, build in self-confidence, promote positive approach towards learning and enhancing the ability of turning their imagination into reality.
More Engaged in Learning:
“It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” -Michael Morpurgo
With reference to the quote above, the teachers are the main players in a classroom setting. Truly, the teachers can either get the students engaged in learning or can lose their interest completely.
Have you ever thought that why do toddlers get excited to see colourful and pictorial books? It is because they get attracted to the colours and illustrations in the books rather than just reading books with text only. Same strategy is applied for the young and adult learners too. Blended learning is the best approach to achieve students’ engagement. When the teacher offers a variety of learning modules, the students automatically get involved in learning and take control of it. The students can easily understand the content well and the teacher can also attend each child individually.
Increased Cost-Effectiveness:
Blended Learning allows the access to large and global audience and information within a short period of time. The schools do not have to buy expensive text books and journals when they can have online access to all books in the world. The students can easily find solutions online and provide their assignments without any delay.
Improved Feedback:
Blended Learning benefits the leaner as well as the teacher in terms of providing feedback. The traditional means of assessment feedback and results were time consuming. The teachers were too not able to provide a reliable and valid feedback to the students.
By integrating blended learning into your classrooms the teacher can provide instant and improved feedback to the students. With online quiz and assessments the teachers can check and prepare results without wasting time. The students also get proper and quick feedback on their learning outcomes. Additionally, the teacher can also work on the students individually who struggle to achieve a better understanding of any particular subject or topic.
Different Learners, Diverse Learning Styles:
Every student differs from others on the basis of their intellectual level, psychological level, retention rate, interest level, health, and age too. If the teacher uses a particular methodology to teach any content, she/ he needs to make sure that every student present in the classroom have retained the knowledge completely. Some students struggle to learn quickly therefore the teacher needs to make sure in choosing the content that is relevant to the age group and understanding level of each student. The teacher must use diverse learning styles for different learners.
Blended Learning benefits are more valuable when in practice and not just words. It bridges the gap between the learner and the instructor. Students are fond of technology. It is a fact, students learn more effectively when taught with the stuff they like the most. Since children are our future, they should be given the best tools possible to face and conquer what tomorrow brings.
