Active learning is such an important part of teaching kids just about anything. In order to ensure that kids actually learn, we have to make sure that we are incorporating active learning strategies in the classroom. This isn't back in the day where a teacher would just drone on and on at a chalkboard, this means that students take an active part in their learning with their teacher facilitating discussion. This has always been one of my favorite techniques that I've had teacher's use because it has allowed me to grow and progress on my own independent timeline instead of what they deem to be the proper timeline. Active learning allows for more and better learning on the part of the student.
Formative assessments are a very important part of the lesson in order to ensure that students understand what is going on. No one wants to be the kid that raises their hand when the teacher asks if anyone has any questions, even if everyone in the room is completely lost. Formative assessments help us as teachers to be able to understand what concepts were confusing and who might need a little extra help as opposed to other students. Formative assessments also assist the students in understanding where they might need improvement as well in a very low-pressure kind of situation. It's not the test so they don't need to stress if they get things wrong but they can understand where they need extra help.
This is so true! It is important for us to utilize both active learning and formative assessment! I like that you said formative assessments help us to know what concepts we need to go over again!
Great post! I totally agree, active learning allows the child to learn at their own pace instead of what the teacher expects of them. They also allow teachers to evaluate how well the students are doing which is really helpful. I will definitely be using active learning in my classroom. There are so many wonderful reasons why it is so helpful for both the teacher and the students.