Meaningful learning is an approach to education that encourages students to be actively engaged in the learning process. In the meaningful learning model, you present information and pose questions that guide students to discover knowledge independently. The goal is to help your kids connect what they learn with how they’ll use it in real life. For example, a student might be asked to complete a research project on a topic that’s relevant to their future career plans. Some essential practices are worth considering if you want to incorporate more meaningful learning into your homeschooling program.
There Are Many Ways to Make Your Homeschooling Program Meaningful
As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be happy, healthy, and smart. You must teach them the things that will help them grow into good adults. There are many ways to make your homeschooling program meaningful:
- Taking the time to teach your child fosters memories and makes it meaningful
- Integrating fun and education makes it worthwhile
- Ensuring your child gets a good foundation in morals and education makes it meaningful
- Making sure they have a variety of interests keeps their minds sharp
- Having consistent family time helps build self-esteem in children
- Providing opportunities for service lets kids connect with others outside their immediate circle
When Did the Meaningful Learning Approach Begin?
The Meaningful Learning Approach began in the early 20th century with John Dewey and Jean Piaget. It was originally for public schools, not a way to make your homeschooling program meaningful. The two sought to create a learning approach for public schools that was grounded in science and hands-on application. Much of the school system as we know it today began its transition around this time period. John Dewey was influential in transforming public schools and learning theory as a whole. He launched a campaign against the current, more religious school teachings of the time. He was an atheist and prescribed to the relatively new Darwin’s theory of Evolution at the time. As a result, Dewey believed the bible should not be taught in schools; instead, a more secular education should be taught. Coincidently the Theory of Evolution was actually published the year Dewey was born! He is most known for transforming American public education.
In the 1970s, Dewey’s educational theory was built upon by Jerome Bruner, who sought to create a more collaborative approach. This research has continued through today and is at the root of what we refer to now as “Meaningful Learning.”
In homeschooling today, we see how these theories can be applied successfully thanks to technology like online classes, zoom lessons, and more!
Parents must consider their values when choosing how their children will learn during homeschooling programs because this will make all the difference!
Did You Know That There Are Five Key Parts to Meaningful Learning?
Did you know that there are five key parts to meaningful learning? The first key part is active learning, which includes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The second key part is constructive learning, which means we build on what has been taught in previous lessons and apply it in new situations. The third key part of meaningful learning is cooperative rather than competitive or individualistic learning, so students work together and help each other learn. The fourth key part of meaningful learning is Authentic because we want to teach them real-world skills to have an advantage when they enter the workforce after graduation. The fifth key ingredient for meaningful learning is intentional learning because if parents aren’t intentional about how they homeschool their children, then it could turn into a big mess!
1. Meaningful Learning Is Active
Active learning is a hands-on approach to education that encourages students to do things for themselves. It’s not passive, just sitting in front of the computer watching videos or reading books. Active learning allows kids to observe their environment, make hypotheses about what they see, and perform experiments that test them.
In homeschooling, active learning is often implemented by kids learning hands-on, applying what they have learned to real-life scenarios, and more. You can check out our guide to active learning to discover if this learning style is right for your homeschool.
2. Meaningful Learning is Constructive
Meaningful learning is constructive. Constructive learning is making sense of the world around you based on observations. This was one of Dewey’s initial aspects of meaningful learning. When you make sense of the world around you, your thinking becomes more critical. You become a self-thinker and don’t need to be spoon-fed thoughts. You have learned something new about yourself and your environment—something that can be applied to other situations in life.
3. Meaningful Learning is Authentic
Authentic learning means that whatever is being learned has real-world value. When homeschooling, it is important to consider what you want your child to learn and how it fits in with their interests and passions. It is also important to make sure that what your child is learning will one day apply to life.
You should try to find ways for them to apply this knowledge in the real world to see how it will help them in the future.
4. Meaningful Learning is Cooperative
Cooperative learning is learning in groups or learning how to work with other people. There are lots of ways that homeschoolers can do this. One way is to join a co-op. Another way is in Sunday school or church, as kids’ classes often have group activities. Finally, your kids can join co-ops or online homeschool groups to learn how to work with others.
Many programs offer an online virtual learning experience or virtual learning groups VLG. DIY.org offers VLGs based on games and topics. Outschool provides VLG opportunities for all ages. You can even find homeschool clubs that tackle group activities to teach kids these vital social aspects!
KidPass has both self-paced courses and live-in-person groups available through its platform
5. Meaningful Learning is Intentional
Meaningful learning is intentional. You do it when you set a goal, focus on it, and then take action to achieve it. Many people go through the motions of daily life without really thinking about why they’re doing what they do. But this isn’t true for all people: some are quite intentional about their actions.
Intentional learning involves working towards something intentionally rather than mindlessly or unconsciously. It means being aware of your goals and making plans to reach them—not just floating along aimlessly in life without any real direction or purpose to your existence (which would be a bummer!)
Intentional learners are self-motivated individuals who actively strive to learn whatever they want within reason. This type of learner makes it easier for homeschool parents because we don’t need motivation as encouragement from an outside source.
Your Child Will Be More Motivated When You Design a Homeschooling Program That Fits Them and Their Learning Style
Meaningful Learning is helpful in fostering a well-rounded earning approach routed in “proof.” It focuses on hirer order learning principles like projects instead of basic memorization techniques. Meaningful Learning takes the approach that kids should actively learn in a hands-on environment and apply what they have learned to the real world.
Meaningful Learning isn’t for everyone, but it does offer many benefits for those willing to try it out! If you’re looking for a homeschooling method that allows you to integrate more of your child’s passions into their curriculum, then I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot!
Your child will be more motivated when you design a homeschooling program that fits them and their learning style. When they feel like they belong, they’ll enjoy the work more! There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for homeschooling programs, but we can create something unique for our children with creativity and effort.
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