The application of active methodologies in primary school Active methodologies in primary schoolare based on participatory processes, in which the pupil is the protagonist. Masterly learning based on memorisation does not always motivate the pupil and, moreover, this process gives priority to short-term knowledge.Active methodologies in primary school of ourprivate school in Almeria offer an alternative in which the emphasis is on motivation and experiences, with processes capable of permanently fixing concepts. A pupil who is educated in an active environment will be able to make proactive decisions, perceiving his or her education as a lifelong challenge. Primary education includes the first technical knowledge related to natural sciences, language, mathematics or social sciences. The active education programmes of our international school in Almeria favour the memorisation of the syllabus and its application in practical environments. What are active methodologies in primary school? The concept of active methodology is based on practical experiences, which offer functional learning. The objective is to offer students a learning ecosystem in which they not only memorise, but also perceive in a practical way the knowledge that will be basic for their future. The advantages of active methods in primary school The student is the true protagonist of his or her own learning. It is important that they make decisions, that they influence the learning process. Primary school courses focus on functional subjects, the implementation of the active method allows them to discover that everything they learn in the classroom has a real application. Another of the basic objectives is to encourage critical and reflective thinking. At British School of Almeria we work so that our students become responsible and committed citizens. Active learning improves pupils’ practical skills. Every child is different, it is important to discover their abilities and help them to develop them. Encouraging group work means improving their social and communicative skills, with activities in which collaboration is a priority. Knowledge is permanent, as opposed to processes based exclusively on short-term memorisation. Active methodologies oriented to language learning in Primary School At The British School of Almeria we structure our curriculum around language learning. Learning a language means improving a pupil’s communicative skills, the inclusion of active methods encourages the functional part of the language and increases their abilities. During the primary school years, a pupil will learn most of the vocabulary that he or she will use during his or her adult life, but in addition, he or she willacquire the structural notions of the languageand the interpersonal skills that he or she must put into practice. Active methodologies focus on the functional part of the language, so during this cycle they are already able to understand texts, identify accents and express themselves fluently on familiar topics. Our experience has shown us that the application of active classes reinforces the assimilation of languages. During the primary cycle we get the student to commit to the challenge of learning a second language through a process based on practice.
