For students who learn through action, testing and physical/mental activity.They understand and remember best when they "do something" themselves - and when learning is linked to practical tasks, prototypes or simulations.
Key idea: Transfer is activated through action in context
Letting students use their hands, voices, and brains actively in the learning community is an effective way to connect theory with practice.
Toolbox: Synchronous activities for action-oriented transfer
| Modality | What does it do? | Example from computer science education | IT option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group-based case solving | Creates active application and problem-solving through concrete scenarios | “Solve this client case in your group and present your proposed architecture” | Breakout rooms + shared document / Miro |
| Prototyping (analog or digital) | Connects theory and practice through rapid idea development and concretization | “Create a paper sketch of your system architecture and explain it to another group” | Camera + shared template + optional Padlet |
| Design sprint (short version) | Promotes creative thinking and agency within a tight time frame | “Draw your solution as a user journey and receive feedback on your logic” | Miro or FigJam + slides + breakout rooms |
| Digital escape rooms | Combines movement, collaboration, and application of subject-specific concepts | “Identify errors in a system design to move on to the next level” | Genially, ClassTools, or self-built flow |
| Simulated client meeting / role play | Provides a practice-oriented situation in which students act and apply knowledge | “Role-play requirements gathering between ‘client’ and ‘developer’ – use SCRUM principles” | Breakout rooms + persona sheets + shared document |
Didactic reflections
- Does active action also create learning – or just activity?
- Is the assignment close enough to the situations the students encounter in practice?
- Do you allow room for experimentation, errors and adjustments along the way?
- How do you guide without taking the initiative from the students?
- Can they “build knowledge” with their hands – for example through models, sketches or demos?
Teaching tips
Create physical movement – also online. It may seem silly, but it helps! Let them draw, show something in front of the camera, build something analog, which they explain afterwards.
Make it meaningful. Practical assignments work best when students can see the purpose and relevance. Feel free to use authentic cases.
Give them something to work with. Share templates, shapes, or shared whiteboards so they have concrete tools to act on.