Hands-on best way to learn - for life

In our increasingly complex world, success is driven not just by what you know, but also by what you can do with that knowledge. Hands-on learning provides a greater relevance to the real world and how it applies in a real way. This approach to learning helps students know what to do with the knowledge they have gained and apply it to real-world problems. Our education system needs to provide our children with knowledge, skills to solve problems, and a learning atmosphere where they can gather and evaluate evidence and make sense of it all. This type of education will inspire our youth to become a part of the new generation of innovators.

Instilling students with a strong desire to know and learn something can be difficult, but when we stimulate a student’s curiosity, it helps them to remember information that otherwise might have been lost. From my experience as President of STEMbusUSA.org, I see first hand why this is especially critical in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Many students reject the idea of STEM careers because they are forced to memorize a bunch of stuff that seems mind-numbing. Hands-on learning increases student curiosity, engagement and achievement, which is why I know it must be of the highest importance. We have to be committed to provide students at every level with the skills needed to excel in the high-paid, high-rewarding fields of STEM.

Providing learning options offers students with more personalized learning, uniquely tailored to students’ individual needs and interests. This approach helps our students and families build a lifelong love of learning and curiosity. Great teaching is especially critical in STEM fields. Creating fun and engaging

educational experiences that are project-based, hands-on learning, will increase the interest and engagement where students can flourish in the environment that was created with high quality STEM content.

When Micron partnered with Discover Technology, we were able to create a traveling discovery center where elementary and middle school students engage in hands-on math and science activities. These interactive science exhibits are sparking passion for STEM education. We are confident we are assisting in the developing of our next-generation engineers. Innovators, people who can really think outside the box and figure out what they need to make things work, are what employers of the 21st century are looking for. Providing a much needed update to our outdated education system is vital to Idaho’s youth.

Last May, I had the privilege of attending a screening of the award-winning education documentary, Most Likely To Succeed hosted by Idaho Loves to Learn (ILTL), a parent-driven movement to promote a love of learning in all its various forms. I was inspired to join the movement, and I encourage others to join as well. They are hosting screenings of Most Likely to Succeed all across Idaho and have experienced an education awakening. ILTL is committed to building an “All hands on deck” approach by bringing together legislators, non-profit groups, parents, teachers and students to help develop a more effective learning atmosphere.

If you share my passion for providing our children with a more promising future by adding learning options to help engage each individual student, please register to attend the free local screening of “Most Likely to Succeed” on Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Hayden Discount Cinema. We must work together to change the course of history by allowing a higher level of creativity from our youth by providing more learning options.

You can RSVP for the screening at IdahoLovesToLearn.org

Lorna Finman, PhD, is the Founder and President of STEMbusUSA.org.