The 7 Virtues of a Hands-On, Practical Approach to Learning & Teaching

1. The 7 Virtues of a Hands-On, Practical Approach to Learning & Teaching At Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism which offers media courses in Pune, we are enthusiastic proponents of the practical approach to teaching across our media courses. This does not mean that we eschew theory altogether. Still, a potent blend of practical and theory with a stronger focus on the practical makes for a well-rounded student fully prepared to transition smoothly from the classroom to the workplace. In a space like mass media courses, a hands-on approach is absolutely vital to ensure that the student is provided with the right set of tools to become a success out in the field. While the theory is a great foundation for any course for a media school in India, it is the practical aspect that ingrains and reinforces the lessons in the student, leaving a permanent imprint on their memories. So, what are some of the benefits of practical learning that this hands-on approach of learning through practice offers? We have listed them below. Benefits of Practical Learning Practical approach/learning provides students with real-world experiences that enhance their understanding and retention of theoretical concepts. By engaging in hands-on activities, learners gain valuable skills that prepare them for success in their chosen fields. 1. Greater impression

2. When concepts are explained, the students must rely on their understanding and imagination to determine what is being taught. With practical sessions, the lesson's impact is much more significant because the action is being performed in front of them first-hand or by the students themselves. It leaves a more memorable and clear picture in the students' minds because they can concentrate on absorbing the lesson rather than comprehending the words and then turning them into the actual teaching. 2. Passive vs. active Theory lessons are one dimensional and passive. Teachers lecture and the students listen. There is little scope for physical or intellectual involvement because the communication is all one way. The fact that students have to just sit there and look at the lecturer results in dwindling attention spans and easy distractions. This is not the case in practical lessons because students find themselves in the thick of the action, making it that much easier to pay attention. 3. Greater interactivity Practical lessons are more interactive, both between the teaching staff and the students and among the students themselves. The whole environment of a practical lesson is a little less formal and a little more relaxed, leading to an easier flow of conversation between teachers and students. Furthermore, team projects encourage students to work together, delegate responsibility, and foster teamwork among them. 4. Immediate assessment of student capabilities The benefits of practical learning become evident in practical lessons, as it is easy for a teacher to gauge a student’s abilities and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This is because the student is working on the project before the teacher, so progress can be visibly monitored, and capabilities can be assessed. In a theoretical framework, it takes until the examination for the teacher to become acquainted with the student’s understanding of and familiarity with the subject. In contrast, with practical courses, this happens on the spot. 5. Non-reliance on rote work Rote work is widely considered an inaccurate representation of the student’s intelligence and comfort with the subject matter. Because it relies so heavily on memory and doesn’t necessarily reflect the student’s core understanding of the subject, theory and memorisation can portray a false sense of accomplishment. This is not the case with a practical approach. With practical lessons, a student’s capabilities are laid bare, and there is no hiding behind memory tricks. A student is only assessed on how much they understood of the subject matter, as opposed to how well they can memorise and repeat it. 6. Real-life experience Practical lessons mimic the real world. Because film students have to actual go out there and use a camera, edit the film, produce it, record sound and take care of absolutely every aspect of

3. the film making process, the experience holds them in good stead for when they actual hit a production floor. This practical approach ensures they’re well-prepared for real industry challenges. The same goes for any other aspect of media studies. For example, a budding journalist learns reporting, copy editing, placement and design, adhering to deadlines and other such challenges and the means to overcoming them that are very much present in real world newsrooms. 7. Higher engagement makes for easier learning The human mind is more receptive to practical studies than theoretical ones. Physically carrying out the instructions rather than being told how to accomplish the task increases retentiveness and facilitates understanding. Practical lessons have a lot of advantages going for them. One of the critical benefits of practical learning is that it enables you to gain hands-on experience, which is invaluable in preparing you for real-world challenges. So if you want to become a complete and capable member of the Indian media industry, you need to enrol in a program that concentrates on the practical side of things. This is exactly what you get when you sign up for a course at Seamedu. Contact us today to learn more!