Education is key to helping people from all walks of life get on their own personal pathways to well-paying jobs in high-growth careers. But what’s the best way to get students and job seekers the skills they’ll need to secure jobs with upward mobility in the workforce of the future?
The conversation around active vs passive learning highlights how these two main learning methods contribute to acquiring essential skills. With the advent of advanced technologies like virtual reality, also called VR, the education landscape continues to change at a dizzying pace — offering new ways to foster engagement, critical thinking, and adaptability in learners.
While there are a variety of ways to classify learning methods, two primary approaches dominate: Active and passive learning.
Active learning involves participation and engagement. Learners apply knowledge, solve problems, or discuss concepts. This method promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world skill application.
Passive learning, meanwhile, is more observational. Students absorb knowledge through lectures, reading, or videos, requiring minimal interaction. However, as Dr. Keith Lyle, Director of Learning Sciences at Transfr, explains, active learning (like the experiences facilitated in VR) can offer specific benefits.
“The key to success and enjoyment during learning,” says Dr. Lyle. “Is allowing the learner to actively engage with, rather than passively receive, new knowledge.”
This insight underscores the transformative power of active engagement in learning environments. In Transfr studies, active learning has shown high engagement and knowledge retention rates. Passive learning, while convenient for delivering large amounts of information, may result in lower engagement and retention.
From classrooms to workplaces, passive methods like lectures or training videos are often the go-to for disseminating information. However, the addition of interactive approaches, such as group projects or VR-based simulations, can help learners internalize theoretical knowledge and hone practical skills.
Technological advancements have made passive learning more accessible than ever. Video libraries like YouTube offer a wealth of content, including ‘how-to’ tutorials and deep dives into various trades, skills, and hobbies. The rise of educational podcasts has also created convenient, on-demand learning opportunities.
Recent advancements have also created new active learning opportunities: Interactive learning apps gamify problem-solving. VR simulations immerse learners in real-world scenarios that build confidence and skills in a realistic, safe, and engaging manner. Studies demonstrate that actively engaging with VR simulations results in better retention and performance compared to passive methods. Learners trained using Transfr retained 62% of steps in an electrical construction task compared to 51% in a passive environment.
Dr. Lyle further emphasizes, “I’ve been studying memory for 25 years. I’ve done countless classroom studies, but what was missing was a more interactive element, like you have with VR.”
Adaptive technology enhances active learning by tailoring experiences to individual needs. AI-driven feedback systems, such as Transfr’s digital instructors, offer real-time guidance, helping learners navigate complex scenarios, learning as they go. This kind of immediate feedback provided in an interactive, judgment-free environment helps learners build confidence while honing their skills.
The benefits of personalized learning extend beyond individual learners. Teachers in large classrooms can leverage technology to manage groups more effectively, giving them more time to focus on students who need additional support. This personalized approach fosters a more interactive and inclusive educational experience, ensuring every student is set up for success.
Which learning method is better — passive or active learning? Blended learning models that incorporate active and passive learning offer many benefits: Students absorb information through online lectures (passive learning) then participate in sessions focused on applying concepts through problem-solving and discussions (active learning).
Technology can help facilitate this balance by promoting critical thinking through simulation-based problem-solving, enhancing communication via collaborative platforms, and encouraging creativity with project-based tools. Moreover, self-directed learning empowers people to take control of their education.
By combining active and passive methods and integrating advanced technologies like VR and AI, we can redefine education and training. Learners not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, setting them up for success in an ever-evolving world. Here’s Dr. Lyle one last time:
“VR simulations have the potential to make learning active in a way no other technology does.”
