What does "active learning" mean in early childhood education?

Active learning in early childhood education refers to the process of children engaging with materials, exploring their environment, and participating in hands-on experiences that promote curiosity and critical thinking. This approach emphasizes the importance of interaction with the world around them, allowing children to construct their own understanding and knowledge through exploration and experimentation.

By participating in activities that require them to manipulate, observe, and discuss, children learn more effectively as they are not just passive recipients of information. This method encourages them to ask questions, solve problems, and collaborate with peers, which fosters not only cognitive development but also social and emotional growth.

While memorization and structured lessons play a role in education, they are not the foundation of active learning. The concept also values individual interactions, which do not necessarily have to occur exclusively in group settings, as children can learn actively on their own as well. Therefore, learning through hands-on experiences and engaging with materials is the essence of active learning in early childhood education.