What is the main benefit of engaging students in hands-on activities?

Engaging students in hands-on activities significantly enhances their ability to retain information better. This approach involves active participation, where students can physically manipulate materials, interact with concepts, and apply their learning in real-world contexts. When students are involved in hands-on activities, they tend to form stronger neural connections related to the concepts they are learning, which leads to better comprehension and recall. This experiential learning process has been shown to foster deeper understanding and long-term retention compared to passive learning methods, such as direct instruction or focusing solely on theoretical knowledge. Consequently, hands-on activities can make learning more meaningful and memorable.