[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/adding-more-hands-on-time-in-class\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/adding-more-hands-on-time-in-class\/","headline":"Adding More Hands-On Time In Class","name":"Adding More Hands-On Time In Class","description":"Traditional classroom models often rely heavily on lectures. However, this passive learning approach can limit students\u2019 ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations and may hinder engagement. Incorporating more hands-on learning can significantly enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and career readiness.…","datePublished":"2025-06-16","dateModified":"2025-06-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/author\/faulkner-online\/#Person","name":"Faulkner Online","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/author\/faulkner-online\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/29b555559ae1c69b126dda56615f8332?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/29b555559ae1c69b126dda56615f8332?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Faulkner University","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Official-Horizontal-480x128.png","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Official-Horizontal-480x128.png","width":480,"height":128}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Faulkner-University-Top-30-Most-Affordable-Master\u2019s-in-Criminal-Justice-Online-Programs-2018-500x281.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Faulkner-University-Top-30-Most-Affordable-Master\u2019s-in-Criminal-Justice-Online-Programs-2018-500x281.jpg","width":500,"height":281},"url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/adding-more-hands-on-time-in-class\/","about":["News"],"wordCount":662,"articleBody":"Traditional classroom models often rely heavily on lectures. However, this passive learning approach can limit students\u2019 ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations and may hinder engagement. Incorporating more hands-on learning can significantly enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and career readiness. With just a few small changes, your course can become a more interactive and engaging environment that promotes collaboration and deeper learning.The Case for Hands-On LearningActive classrooms foster collaboration and promote deeper interaction with content. Incorporating hands-on activities builds essential skills such as note-taking, idea-sharing, problem-solving, and peer discussion (Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning [CITL], 2020). It also supports diverse learning styles\u2014for instance, kinesthetic learners thrive when engaged in physical activities and real-world experiences (Lerna Courses, n.d.).Hands-on learning improves conceptual understanding, increases motivation, and strengthens classroom community. It promotes soft skills, like communication and adaptability, rather than limiting students to listening and memorization (Virginia Tech Publishing, n.d.). A Harvard study found that students performed better on assessments when they engaged in hands-on, active learning during class rather than attending passive lectures (Walsh, 2019).It\u2019s important to note that hands-on activities are not merely \u201cbusy work.\u201d When designed effectively, they help students meaningfully engage with material and better retain course content.Successful Implementation ModelsProfessors have found success with a hybrid approach that blends lecture with small group activities. For example, one effective strategy involves beginning class with small group discussions while the instructor circulates to identify common misconceptions. A brief, focused lecture at the end of class can then address those gaps (Walsh, 2019).Another useful structure divides the class into segments\u2014such as lecture, discussion, application, and creation. Sample activities include KWL charts, informal quizzes, concept mapping, think-pair-share exercises, the Jigsaw method, and peer teaching (CITL, 2020).Simulations and role-playing exercises can also deepen understanding by providing real-life context to course material (Lerna Courses, n.d.). The options are virtually limitless. If you\u2019re seeking support for creating a more hands-on classroom, the Faulkner Student Success Instructional Technologists are available to help.Overcoming ChallengesAs with any instructional shift, challenges will arise. For instance, the Harvard study revealed that students believed they learned more from lectures\u2014even though the data showed they actually learned more in active learning environments (Walsh, 2019). To overcome this resistance, consistency is key. As students experience the benefits of active learning over time, they often become more receptive to it.Another common concern is time. With lectures often filling entire class periods, finding time for active components can seem daunting. Strategies to address this include flipping the classroom, assigning lecture content as homework, or shortening lectures to prioritize application activities.Additionally, concerns about limited resources are valid, but many free digital tools are available to support active learning. These include Padlet, Pear Deck, Quizzizz, and Jeopardy Labs, among others. Although implementation may require extra planning at the outset, the long-term benefits for students far outweigh the initial effort.ConclusionIntegrating more hands-on activities into your classroom may seem intimidating at first. However, with a bit of creativity and a willingness to experiment, you can foster a learning environment that encourages student engagement and participation. The change doesn\u2019t have to be drastic; start small. Even a single hands-on activity can significantly improve students\u2019 understanding of complex concepts. And after all, helping students learn and grow is the ultimate goal of education.ReferencesCenter for Innovation in Teaching & Learning. (2020, June 2). Hands-on activities. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. https:\/\/citl.illinois.edu\/citl-101\/teaching-learning\/resources\/teaching-across-modalities\/teaching-tips-articles\/teaching-tips\/2020\/06\/02\/hands-on-activitiesLerna Courses. (n.d.). Hands-on experiential learning: A complete guide. https:\/\/lerna.courses\/hands-on-experiential-learning\/#google_vignetteVirginia Tech Publishing. (n.d.). Fun Fridays: Incorporating hands-on learning into lecture courses. In University teaching: A guide for graduate students by graduate students. https:\/\/pressbooks.lib.vt.edu\/universityteaching\/chapter\/fun-fridays-incorporating-hands-on-learning-into-lecture-courses\/Walsh, M. (2019, September 4). Study shows that students learn more when taking part in classrooms that employ active-learning strategies. Harvard Gazette. https:\/\/news.harvard.edu\/gazette\/story\/2019\/09\/study-shows-that-students-learn-more-when-taking-part-in-classrooms-that-employ-active-learning-strategies\/"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Adding More Hands-On Time In Class","item":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/adding-more-hands-on-time-in-class\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]