Providing middle school students with active learning opportunities has many benefits. Active learning occurs when which students are involved in the learning process – when the teacher is the facilitator, instead of the one-way provider of information. This type of learning engages middle school students. It gives them the chance to explore career options, to experience healthy forms of failure, and to discover how lessons apply to the real world. It also helps improve their confidence, especially the case in subjects that have a reputation for being “difficult,” like math and engineering.
One way to bring more active learning opportunities into your middle school classroom: Incorporate learning aids that engage your students.
Look for learning aids that:
- Students can see, touch and feel
- Provide immediate feedback
- Draw on real-world experiences
Need some ideas? Scroll to see which Realityworks learning aids are the most popular among middle school teachers right now.
RealCare Baby® Infant Simulator
Use RealCare Baby to introduce your students to parenting and childcare skills. This realistic simulator tracks caregiver behaviors and comes with four sets of curricula – including one for middle school students.
Electrical Wiring Kit
Introduce electrical wiring basics by setting up small group activities where students can practice basic skills, then assess their progress. This battery-operated Electrical Wiring Kit includes everything you need to facilitate interactive practice sessions, including curriculum.
Cow Model
Students can study, remove and replace 13 different parts of this Cow Model as they learn about the bovine reproductive system, digestive system and udder structure. Plus, it includes 2 posters, student worksheets and curriculum.
Shaken Baby Simulator
Use this powerful demonstrator to teach middle school students the importance of handling infants with care. The Shaken Baby Simulator’s included curriculum includes thought-provoking lessons on managing frustration and other information. Students can even sign a Pledge Not to Shake.
Food Safety Kit
Introduce your students to the basics of food safety by creating small group activities on proper hand-washing techniques and food temperature safety zones. Presentation slides, activities and curriculum are included with this Food Safety Kit.
If you use any of these learning aids in your middle school classroom, or if you’re taking unique steps to engage your middle school students, we’d love to know! Share your story in the comments below.
