Skills-based learning centers on developing and applying specific skills that can then be used to obtain the required knowledge. The classroom environment will encourage independence, as well as combined active learning and collaboration to help the children retain the knowledge. This process allows the pupils to access, process and then express the knowledge they have learned rather than simply writing it down.
Skills-Based Learning Focus:
  1. Designs in opportunities for skills development including teamwork, independent enquiry, self-evaluation, problem-solving, time management, effective communication and critical/creative thinking.
  2. Skills-based learning provides classroom environments where independence, thinking skills, collaboration and active learning are developed at the same time as knowledge is acquired.
Skills-Based Learning Process:
  1. Do It Fast - Demonstrate the new skill at the speed at which it is normally performed while the learner is observing.
  2. Do It Slow - Then break the skill down into steps, completing each step slowly as you give a clear and detailed explanation of what you are doing and why it must be done that way.
  3. Do It With Them -The learner and yourself then complete the skill together; provide assistance and further demonstration and explanation where necessary. Repeat as many times as necessary.
  4. Let Them Go - Observe the learner as they demonstrate the new skills independently, provide positive feedback first (compliment, then correct).
SBL: Studio-Based Learning
Students learning ‘learning to be something’ (Studio) rather than ‘learning about something’ (Lab).
Principles of Studio-Based Learning:
  1. Learners work like apprentices in a common space called “The Studio” under the tutelage of a “master facilitator.”
  2. Learners engage with the community they live in especially in processes that facilitate the functioning of the world.
  3. Concepts across disciplines are facilitated in relation to an understanding of the world and its processes.
  4. Learners interact when needed with each other on their designs, ideas, concepts and knowledge construction.
  5. Learners undergo periodic critiques, known as “crits,” of their designs, projects, or products. Crits are for gaining understanding and comprehension about one’s own work. They occur student-to-master facilitator first followed by evolving self-learning crits between peers.
  6. It is driven by the pragmatic. The idea is to get one’s hands involved in their work, and revise it until it becomes their best work, followed by self-evaluation and assessment of the outcome.
  7. Final work or products are presented publicly thereby dissolving the boundaries between school and community.
Studio-Based Learning Advantages:
  1. We believe that the Studio approach is the preferred model of learning to facilitate the process of education.
  2. It allows for local cultural and environmental contextualization and engagement with the community to understand processes of life.
  3. It allows for a thorough understanding of Math, Science, Language, Literature, Social sciences, Humanities, Global culture, Arts and allied disciplines.
  4. It allows for interdisciplinary as well as cross-cultural learning integrating Fundamental sciences, Social sciences, and Mathematics.
  5. It facilitates an understanding of applied sciences like Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Linguistics, Anthropology etc.
  6. It shapes a journey that is personalized for each learner and facilitates an understanding of multiple perspectives.
Studio-Based Learning Characteristics:
  1. There are few lectures.
  2. Students work in groups to learn.
  3. Activities generally emphasize collaborative and cooperative learning.
  4. The instructors get students going on projects and are on hand as resources.
  5. Responsibility for learning is placed on the students.
  6. Class activities build on each other, providing a dynamic and integrated learning environment that emphasizes personal intellectual development as well as content learning.
SBL Resources:
  1. Edmodo: https://spotlight.edmodo.com/product/based-learning-19-sbl-skillsstudio-based-learning--391065/
  2. Thinking Classroom: https://spotlight.edmodo.com/product/thinking-classroom--391053/
  3. Assessing Studio-Based Learning:https://spotlight.edmodo.com/product/assessing-studio-based-learning--391057/
  4. YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQrj9SHrz1o