Hands-on experience plays a key role in improving the quality of education by allowing students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in a real or simulated environment.
Practical classroom experience is often considered by professors to be fundamental to student learning. By integrating practical activities, students are able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in a real-world setting, allowing them to better understand concepts and develop practical skills relevant to their field of study.
Teachers value practical experience because it helps strengthen the connection between theory and practice, encourages students' active participation, and provides them with the opportunity to experience real situations that they may face in their future professional career.
In addition, teachers often observe that practical experience in the classroom motivates students, increases their interest in learning and improves their retention of information. By participating in hands-on activities, students become more meaningfully involved in the teaching-learning process, which allows them to develop problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
Teachers appreciate how hands-on experience can enrich students' learning by giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand the concepts they are studying, which helps them consolidate their understanding and better prepare for their future careers.
Some well-known universities that use hands-on experience as part of their educational approach are:
- Stanford University: Located in the United States, Stanford University is known for its practical focus in various areas of study, including engineering, computer science and business.
- Oxford University: Located in the United Kingdom, Oxford University offers academic programs with a practical focus in fields such as medicine, law, social sciences and humanities.
- University of Cambridge: Also in the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge is recognized for its academic excellence and practical focus in areas such as natural sciences, engineering and the arts.
- Harvard University: Located in the United States, Harvard University is famous for its practical approach in fields such as law, medicine, business and social sciences.
- Delft University of Technology: Located in the Netherlands, this university specializes in technical and engineering careers, offering a hands-on approach in disciplines such as architecture, civil engineering and aerospace.
In this article, we will explore how hands-on experience benefits students and how simulations can be an effective tool to enhance learning.
Benefits of Practical Experience in Education
Application of knowledge: Practical experience allows students to apply theoretical concepts in real situations, which facilitates understanding and retention of learning.
Practice is a fundamental tool for retaining knowledge. Through practice, we can reinforce and consolidate what we have learned, which improves our retention capacity.
Studies Supporting Practical Learning
There are several studies that support this idea. Among them are:
- Receive, Remember, Repeat, Retain: This approach to learning is based on the idea that by receiving new information, remembering it, repeating it, and practicing it consistently, we can retain knowledge more effectively. This method has proven to be effective in the field of online training.
- Perform exercises and explain to others: By practicing what we have learned through solving exercises and explaining the concepts to others, we are strengthening our understanding and retention of knowledge. This active practice helps us consolidate what we have learned.
- Solid strategies for retaining and applying skills: Effective learning goes beyond acquiring theoretical knowledge. It involves developing sound strategies for retaining and applying skills. These strategies include regular practice, practical application of knowledge in real situations, and periodic review of what we have learned.
Skills development: By participating in hands-on activities, students develop practical, cognitive and social skills that are essential to their overall development.
Hands-on learning can transform the student experience by providing a unique opportunity to connect theory and practice in a meaningful way.
By facing real or simulated situations that require the application of specific knowledge and skills, students gain a deeper and more practical understanding of concepts, allowing them to develop a more holistic and contextualized perspective of their field of study.
This immersion in hands-on experiences helps them internalize learning more effectively, as they see firsthand how that knowledge is used in real situations.
In addition, hands-on learning fosters collaboration, teamwork and creative problem solving. By working on hands-on projects that require the active participation of several students, students learn to communicate effectively, share ideas, make collaborative decisions and face challenges together.
This social and collaborative interaction in a hands-on learning environment not only strengthens students' soft skills, but also prepares them for teamwork and problem solving in future work environments.
Increased motivation: Hands-on experience is often more motivating for students, as it gives them the opportunity to see tangible results of their learning.
Preparation for the world of work: Hands-on experience is often more motivating for students, as it gives them the opportunity to see tangible results of their learning.
Practical knowledge can significantly increase student motivation by providing a more dynamic and relevant learning experience.
By participating in hands-on activities, students become actively involved in the learning process, which helps them see the direct connection between what they are studying and its application in real situations. This tangible connection gives them a sense of purpose and motivates them to become more engaged with the study material.
In addition, hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to experience success through solving concrete problems, completing practical projects, and acquiring directly applicable skills. These tangible achievements reinforce students' self-esteem and confidence, which in turn increases their intrinsic motivation to continue learning and improve their skills.
The combination of stimulating challenges, visible results, and a sense of personal accomplishment goes a long way toward keeping student motivation high in hands-on learning environments.
Preparation for the World of Work
The practical experience provides students with the necessary skills and competencies to face the world of work effectively.
Practically prepared individuals often have several advantages in the real world of work because of the direct application of their knowledge and skills.
Some of the advantages they may experience include:
- Increased employability: Professionals with a strong practical background are often highly valued by employers, as they are better equipped to tackle real work challenges from day one. Their ability to apply their knowledge in concrete situations allows them to stand out in selection processes and be seen as valuable assets to companies.
- Adaptability and problem solving: Practical preparation fosters in people skills such as problem solving, informed decision making, and the ability to adapt to changing work environments. These skills are in high demand in today's job market, where the ability to effectively address challenges and find practical solutions is essential for career success. People with practical training tend to excel at solving real-world problems and adapt quickly to new work situations.
People with practical training tend to excel at solving real-world problems and adapt quickly to new work situations.
Simulations in Education
Simulations are an effective way to provide hands-on experience for students in a controlled and safe environment.
Some benefits of using simulations in education include:
- Controlled realism: Simulations allow for the recreation of realistic scenarios in which students can practice without risk.
- Active learning: By participating in simulations, students are actively involved in the learning process, which improves information retention.
- Immediate feedback: Simulations often provide immediate feedback, allowing students to correct errors and improve their performance.
- Adaptability: Simulations can be adapted to the needs and levels of students, making them a versatile tool for teaching.
Finally, integrating hands-on learning into education can have a significant impact on students' experience by developing skills.
By providing opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, a deeper understanding of concepts is fostered and the connection between theory and practice is strengthened.
Practical knowledge not only increases students' motivation by actively engaging them in their learning, but also prepares them more effectively to face real-world challenges in the workplace. In addition, educational simulations stand out as an enriching tool that promotes student participation, engagement and autonomy, offering immersive experiences that stimulate active learning and problem solving.
Together, these pedagogical strategies can transform the way students learn, develop skills and prepare for the future, more effectively preparing them for the current and future world of work.
