Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Applied Learning in Higher Education: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Irina Samoshkina
ABSTRACT:
In the current higher education landscape, many educators still rely on traditional teaching methods, emphasising the memorisation of extensive vocabulary lists and rote learning of texts, leaving limited room for engaging activities and student interaction. This approach, rooted in conventional pedagogy, may not fully address the dynamic needs and diverse learning styles of contemporary students. As education evolves, there is a growing realisation of the necessity for educators to reassess and embrace more dynamic and student-centered teaching methodologies. This research explores the limitations of traditional teaching methods, arguing that such approaches impede practical skill development. By critically examining the impact of passive learning on skill acquisition, the study highlights the necessity for innovative pedagogical strategies actively involving students in practical applications. Focused on students at RANEPA in their first, second and third years in Moscow, the study questions whether the traditional method of having students memorise and regurgitate information adequately prepares them for real-world challenges. The survey results, assessed through a Google link, reveal that heavy emphasis on passive skills may demotivate learners for several reasons, such as a lack of practical application, limited engagement, and restricted creativity and critical thinking. Based on the survey results, this study aims to explore and provide recommendations for active learning methodologies that engage students in the learning process, thereby enhancing their motivation and fostering better results.
keywords: educational strategies; motivation; practical application; rote learning