There is a growing recognition of the importance of hands-on learning and learner-led initiatives, especially in primary and secondary schools in the UK - just type this first sentence into Google and you’ll see endless studies and research that justify this statement.
Traditional teaching methods, which often focus on the passive reception of knowledge, are being supplemented - and in some cases replaced - by more dynamic, interactive approaches. Among these, learner-led hands-on learning has emerged as one of the most effective ways to engage learners, build critical thinking skills, and foster creativity. This approach shifts the learning experience from teacher-centred instruction to one where learners take charge of their education, actively engaging with materials and concepts in meaningful, tactile ways.
To benefit from learner-led hands-on learning, it has to be applied in the classroom correctly and aligned to the National Curriculum or the Curriculum for Excellence to assist educators by (in some instances) reducing workload while supporting a transformative approach to STEAM education.
One of the most significant advantages of learner-led hands-on learning is its ability to foster greater engagement and motivation. When learners are given the responsibility to take charge of their learning process, they feel more invested in the outcomes. Hands-on projects enable learners to explore, experiment, and make discoveries on their own terms, rather than passively receiving information. This heightened engagement leads to a deeper understanding of the material because learners are actively participating in the learning process.
For example, in a classroom utilising Strawbees, learners could be tasked with designing and building their own engineering projects such as a bridge or a tower. Instead of simply learning about structural integrity from a textbook, learners experience firsthand what works and what doesn’t, iterating on their designs to improve them. This process not only reinforces key concepts and encourages learning from what works and what doesn’t, but also inspires learners to take pride in their creations, sparking further interest in STEM/STEAM subjects.
Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills in the modern world, and learner-led hands-on learning is a powerful way to nurture these abilities. In traditional education models, learners are often given answers rather than encouraged to ask questions. Hands-on, learner-led approaches create opportunities for learners to encounter real-world problems that they must solve through experimentation, research, and collaboration.
In a STEM/STEAM setting, for example, learners working on a project may encounter challenges that require them to think critically and adjust their strategies. They might need to determine why a particular structure fails or how to make a design more efficient. This problem-solving process encourages learners to approach challenges from different angles, developing resilience and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. By taking ownership of the problem-solving process, learners develop the confidence to tackle increasingly complex challenges.
Settings, where collaboration and the development of communication skills are critical, can be lacking in a system where individual learning and development are seen as the norm. Many hands-on projects require learners to work together, share ideas, divide tasks, and offer feedback. Through collaboration, learners can visualise the importance of teamwork, listening to others, and valuing diverse perspectives rather than simply reading about this type of core 21st-century skill that is critical in both academic and professional environments.
For instance, a group of learners working on a project to build a functioning mechanical structure will need to communicate effectively to ensure that all parts of the project come together smoothly. They will need to explain their ideas, listen to their peers’ suggestions, and negotiate solutions when disagreements arise. These collaborative experiences help learners develop social and emotional skills that are just as important as academic knowledge.
One of the most empowering aspects of learner-led hands-on learning is the boost it gives to learners' confidence and independence. When learners are responsible for their own project outcomes, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work. They also learn to trust their abilities to explore, experiment, and problem-solve without relying on constant guidance from educators.
As learners engage in a project and experience both successes and failures, they build resilience and adaptability. These experiences are invaluable for their personal growth, as they learn to navigate setbacks and keep pushing toward their goals. The confidence that making decisions, testing ideas, and learning from mistakes brings, helps learners develop an appreciation for lifelong learning, which is crucial for their future success.
The ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is at the core of any learner-led project. In a traditional classroom setting, abstract concepts are presented without a clear understanding of how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. With a hands-on learning approach, this allows learners to see the direct impact of their actions.
In a STEM/STEAM context, this might involve building models that demonstrate scientific principles or engineering concepts. Learners can physically construct bridges or towers to explore forces such as tension and compression, learning the underlying principles of physics through their creations. This tangible application of theory helps solidify learners' understanding and makes it more meaningful and relevant.
Learner-led hands-on learning is an excellent way to nurture creativity and innovation. Unlike traditional methods that may constrain learners with predetermined outcomes, hands-on learning encourages exploration and experimentation. Learners are free to approach tasks in unique ways, think outside the box, and take creative risks.
STEM/STEAM education, in particular, thrives on innovation, and giving learners the freedom to explore their ideas is key to developing core skills such as creative innovation and building confidence in trying new ways to problem solve. Learners can let their imaginations run wild, creating everything from simple structures to complex mechanical systems. The process of designing, building, testing, and refining their projects cultivates confidence and creative innovation, both invaluable in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
Learner-led hands-on learning offers a multitude of benefits, from engagement and critical thinking to promoting collaboration, creativity, and independence. By giving learners the tools and the freedom to explore, experiment, and learn by finding their own way, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that prepares learners for the challenges of the future by enhancing critical 21st-century skills.
Strawbees, with its versatile and interactive kits, is an ideal tool for integrating learner-led hands-on learning into STEM/STEAM education. Whether learners are building simple prototypes or complex designs, the open-ended nature of Strawbees allows them to take control of their learning process, driving innovation and deepening their understanding of key concepts.
As education continues to evolve, the benefits of learner-led hands-on learning will only become more apparent. By embracing this approach, educators can empower learners to become confident, creative, and independent learners—skills that will serve them well both in school and in life.
Check out Strawbees Classroom for more learner-led hands-on activities.