Why Hands-On Learning?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, educators at all levels have struggled to reproduce the same quality of education online as they did in person. A computer screen does not offer all of the same benefits as in-person classes. Not every student learns the same, and it is important to provide a learning atmosphere that can support all types of learners. Hands-on learning is specifically designed to help support all types of students. Hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to self-correct any educational missteps in the moment – with professional guidance at arm’s reach.

Hands-On Learning Can Lead to Increased Retention

Whether you are a student that learns best from listening or visuals, hands-on learning can provide a stimulating learning atmosphere for you. Oftentimes hands-on learning allows students to practice skills in real time. Studies have shown that when students just listen in a lecture-style environment, they retain 20 percent of the information presented.

When students are given the opportunity to practice the material
they have just learned the retention rate increases to 75 percent.

Hands-On Learning Helps With Career Simulation 

Ideally, students are given time to make mistakes before entering the real world. Hands-on learning provides a safe space for students to make mistakes without facing detrimental career consequences. If the little problems and road bumps are not appropriately addressed to the student, they may face greater consequences when they enter the workforce. If people are only forced to make mistakes when the fear of losing their jobs is on the line, they will most likely not hone in on their true groundbreaking skills. 

Role-plays and working case studies from beginning to end to master skills and processes is extremely effective. Such a high-impact, experiential learning environment becomes a ‘safe harbor.’ You aren’t trying to close the deal in front of you under the pressure of your quota or (yikes!) even your mortgage payment!

Increased Engagement 

The constant collaboration and stimulation by other students and instructors allow for higher engagement. Students are allowed to test the waters in hands-on learning and develop the skills that are outside their traditional comfort zone. The encouraging collaboration among peers will allow students to stay on top of deadlines and work together to solve common issues. Peer review is actually practiced, allowing learners to strengthen their ability to give and receive constructive feedback without worry.

Allows For A Free Flow of Creativity

Sometimes traditional schooling puts people into a box. Not everyone is the same but being treated the exact same in the confines of traditional schooling can actually hinder some students. To promote free thinking and a better flow of ideas, students should be stimulated to think and create anything they see fit. A trial and error process in the realm of creativity can help foster ideas and solutions to problems you never even saw coming. 

You’ll find Virtanza’s high-impact, experiential sales programs at universities and colleges across the United States. Technology Sales Bootcamps like the one starting on April 26th at the University of Maryland Baltimore County Training Centers are

Author: Our Marketing Intern, Sydney Crawford, is a Senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. She will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts. She is majoring in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, with a minor in Business Analytics.