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3. The advantages and disadvantages of using interactive
methods in EFL classes
The benefits of interactive learning activities cannot be overstated and several case studies have already revealed the vast amount of advantages it harbors. It involves learning as part of a group or family helping scholars not only comprehend the concepts discussed, but also brushes up on social and emotional skills. Interactive learning basically establishes a learning environment that allows both the teacher/lecturer and students to engage in participatory illustrations, debates, role-plays, games and skits. Such cooperative learning environments make it possible for learners to bond effortlessly and acquire various skills in addition to understanding the key points of the lesson. Each activity used in interactive learning has unique benefits that learners gain from the hands-on experience. It also makes it easier to practice the skills acquired especially when real-life situations are thrown into the mix during role-plays and skits.
The benefits of interactive learning environment are quite obvious and straightforward. As aforementioned, every activity has its own benefits for the learner and can be used to develop a specific set of skills. For instance, interactive games can be used to promote teamwork and discussions among students which goes a long way to helping them develop relationship skills, peaceful conflict resolution and emotional management. There are five core interactive learning benefits that include; making, responsible decisions , awareness of self , social awarenes, building healthy relationships, emotional management. Skits, games and role plays can be used to offer students the opportunity to apply leant skills, which further deepens their understanding3 of self, making it possible to act responsibly, develop strong character and carry out the same skills into the real world. Essentially, interactive learning is an ideal way to help students develop various life skills that will help them lead a happy and healthy life. With regard to classroom learning, the benefits of interactive learning tools can be seen in improved performance. When social skills such as self-awareness, healthy relationships, confidence and emotional management are established, concept internalization and problem resolution questions become less of a problem. Even the slow learners can quickly come to terms with the difficult concepts as interactive learning has a significant impact on memory retention. The benefits of interactive learning environment also make it possible for better student-to-student learning relationships where those who are fast to grab a concept are eager to help others get to speed.
The collaborative for academic social and emotional learning puts it, learning is both a social and interactive process that takes place in the consoles of one's teacher and/or peers, and with the support of a family. Active interactive learning is therefore an encouragement for students to acquire various social and emotional skills first-hand. It also opens doors towards brilliance and improved performance in classroom examinations. With modern advancements the benefits of interactive learning tools are not only available for premise classroom sessions, but can also be delivered over the internet. Tools such as desktop sharing software can be used to achieve web conferencing sessions that are just as effective as one-on-one skits, ted talks is the leading provider of online video conferencing in the world and has intuitive features such as screen/desktop content sharing, HD video conferencing, screen remote control and audio sharing among others. It is a free tool that can be used from anywhere in the world provided you have internet connectivity. Once you download the free application, all that is needed is to sign up for a free account, create a session and invite others to join the group session. When this is done, everyone in the group can view the contents of the current desktop session making video conferencing more powerful and productive. This brings the benefits of interactive learning to the e-learning world where it was formerly lacking. Live web conferencing activities can be shared among group members and help remotely delivered. What’s more, ez-Talks is available on android mobile platforms which mean students can join groups and video conference trough their mobile phones. The single greatest barrier of all, however, is the fact that faculty members' efforts to employ active learning involve the risks that students will not participate, use higher-order thinking, or learn sufficient content, that faculty members will feel a loss of control, lack necessary skills, or be criticized for teaching in unorthodox ways. Each obstacle or barrier and type of risk, however, can be successfully overcome through careful, thoughtful planning.
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