What teaching practice can promote student engagement and understanding?

Implementing hands-on learning experiences is a highly effective teaching practice for promoting student engagement and understanding. This approach allows students to actively participate in the learning process, moving beyond passive absorption of information. When students engage in hands-on activities, they can apply concepts in practical, real-world contexts, thereby deepening comprehension and retention.

Hands-on experiences foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students often need to experiment, explore, and collaborate with peers. This type of engagement can increase motivation and interest in the subject matter, leading to a richer and more meaningful learning experience. Furthermore, participating in these activities often caters to diverse learning styles, accommodating both visual and kinesthetic learners, which enhances overall understanding across the classroom.

In contrast, methods such as lengthy lectures without interaction, limiting discussions, or relying solely on textbook readings tend to create a more passive learning environment. These approaches can lead to disengagement, as students may feel less involved in their education and less likely to retain information.