ACTIVITY BASED CURRICULUM Activity is the natural urge of the child.

child. Activity is used as a media or means for imparting knowledge and skills. It is a play way of learning things. Activity is the greatest motivation, provided to the child enjoys the freedom of expressing himself fully. Its core premises include the requirement that learning should be based on doing some hands-on experiments and activities. Children are active learners rather than passive recipients of information. History of Activity Curriculum

The title activity curriculum, however, did not come into general use before 1920. In 1944, a British man David Horsburgh started his school, Neel Bagh in India. Neel Bagh was based on an innovative idea of Horsburgh It was known for its creative methods in teaching and well-planned learning materials A diverse curriculum, which included music, carpentry, sewing, masonry, gardening, as well as the usual school subjects, English, mathematics, Sanskrit, and Telugu. This initiative of Horsburgh was later proved to be one of the pioneer and milestones in Activity Based Curriculum

Definition of Activity Curriculum Active learning is an umbrella term that refers to several models of instruction that focus the responsibility of learning, on learners. When curricular material is translated in terms of activity, it is known as activity curriculum.

Characteristics of Activity Curriculum 1. Childrens Interest Determines the Educational Programme. 2. The Activity Curriculum Is Not Planned In Advance. 3. Activities Are Planned Co-Operatively By Students And Teacher. 4. Problem Solving Is The Dominant Method Of Activity Curriculum. 5. Practice And Individual Assistance Are Provided As Needed. Requirements of Activity Curriculum 1. Physical Features of the School Building, grounds and classrooms well lighted Ample facilities for displays and decorations grounds should also lend themselves Separate ground for gardening, for outdoor class work and for countless other outdoor activities Tentatively ten acres of land (one acre = 4940 sq. yards) would likely be the minimum to meet the needs of an activity curriculum. 2. Training of Teachers 3. Classroom Equipment 4. Activity Rooms 5. Transportation Facilities 6. Time Table Planning 7. Students Grouping 8. Flexibility In Administrative Arrangements Benefits of Activity Based Curriculum Chinese Proverb When I hear, I forget When I see, I remember. But when I do, I understand

The benefits of activity based curriculum revolves around those children who are either not as academically "talented" or have not shown "interest" in school. This method tends to stimulate these types of students into participating and eventually absorbing information. 1. It makes the teaching fun. 2. Students in will remember the material better. 3. They feel a sense of accomplishment when the task is completed. 4. They are able to transfer that experience easier to other learning situations. 5. Students who are involved in activities are empowered in their own learning process. Criticism 1. A radical departure from traditional ways of learning and teaching. 2. No assurance of learning cultural heritage. 3. The facts and principles that are learned are not permanently retained. 4. Teachers are not prepared to carry on activity program. 5. Communities do not readily accept this shift. 6. Schools are not equipped 7. No adequate provision for logical organization. Role of the teacher 1. The educator (teacher) should engage pupils in activities in such a way that while manual skills are gained there should be mental satisfaction found in the work. 2. It is the task of the teacher is to discover the interests and to build educational activities upon them. 3. Teachers make plans for their own activities in the classrooms. 4. The teacher is to guide the students in learning how to select group leaders and how to make intelligent decisions. 5. The teacher works as a guide. 6. Helps the students to analyze the problem. 7. He sometimes leads the discussion. 8. He is a part of the total learning situation rather than task master. 9. He acts as a resource person.