Regardless of the subject matter and the age group of the student, interactive teaching tends to work best. In today’s technology driven and information based world, most interactive learning is done via computers. This can take many formats, such as:

- PowerPoint presentations

- Video presentations

- Webinars and web conferencing

- Audio

- Games

What is Interactive Learning?

This is learning where the student is actively involved in the process. They do not just sit in a classroom or other similar setting and have someone feed them information. Instead, they are actively engaged in the process by hands on activities. When English is taught using multimedia resources to make the teaching and learning interactive, all the senses become engaged.

In short, interactive English courses stimulate interest by appealing to all the different learning styles of people. These learning styles that are involved with interactive learning are:

- Listening

- Seeing

- Touching and doing

Using these senses, learning takes place when the student is actively engaged by the teacher, the software or teaching material and the subject matter.

English as Second Language

English is a difficult subject for native English speakers, much less for persons who are learning it as a second language. Interactive English courses are especially useful at increasing interest when used to teach English to non-English speakers. Whether a child, teen or adult, learning by doing makes the whole process seem more real. This can improve retention as the student’s interest is kept throughout the learning session.

Some ways those students learn English interactively is by playing word games, puzzles and even with songs. In some cases, students are encouraged to watch movies in English and try to interpret what is being said. The movies can be viewed with captions or not depending on the level attained by the students. Many interactive English courses allow students to answer questions online.

Learning English Interactively for English-Speaking Children

Children too can benefit greatly if teachers introduce them to the basic concepts of the English language by using interactive teaching methods. Most children find it easier to learn by seeing and experiencing something, so interactive teaching methods definitely increase interest.

Interactive English courses do not only increase interest in learning the subject. They also encourage and ultimately improve student-teacher interaction in the teaching-learning process. Learning is always best achieved when students feel that their teachers show an interest and they can actually see that they are learning.

Anyone involved in education, regardless of the level, will admit that interactive learning enables teachers to hold the attention of students. The great thing about interactive teaching methods is that teachers and students can connect with each other even if they are not in the same location. There have been studies which indicate that interactive learning is also an important tool for successful online learning.

In years past, interactive courses were generally utilized in mathematics and the sciences. Now however, interactive English courses are commonplace in many school settings. This type of teaching and learning method helps make learning a new language fun for everyone involved.




By: Adrianna Noton