Let’s be real: most, if not all, of us have spent countless hours memorizing formulas, definitions, and theories, wondering, “when will I ever use this in real life?” The truth is that education isn’t just about reading textbooks and passing exams. It’s more about learning how to transform abstract knowledge into tangible skills that we can apply in life. That’s were practical learning kicks in. 
Practical learning involves hands-on-approach: doing, not just studying. It could come in the form of participating in experiments, internships, coding a game, playing an instrument, or any other co-curricular activity. It is these practical experiences that reinforce the knowledge we gain in the classroom.
Take music, for example. Learning music theory is one thing, but it isn’t compared to the experience of playing an instrument. You can read all about notes, chords, and rhythms, but that knowledge would be useless unless you pick up an instrument and play. I learned to play both the piano and drums not just by studying music theory but by experimenting, making mistakes, and discovering things along the way. By moving my fingers on the piano keys or my hands on the snare drum, I developed hand speed, coordination and confidence: things no textbook in the world could teach me. This trial and error, playing around and making mistakes, is what truly formed my abilities.
The same goes for robotics and engineering. It is one thing to understand how circuits and mechanics work, but the real fun comes when you try to build a functioning robot. You encounter errors, diagnose them, and learn creative ways to solve them: skills essential for both school and future careers.
Beyond improving our understanding, practical learning equips us with skills that employers look for: critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. We are all in this world to solve problems. Activities like sports, clubs, and internships allow us to test our knowledge in different scenarios, preparing us for life outside the classroom. During my time leading the music club, I realized that practical learning didn’t just improve my musical skills but made me a better leader and team player.
At the end of the day, practical learning is what connects school to real world. If we truly want to prepare for life beyond exams, we need to embrace every opportunity to “do.” A wise man once said, “The best way to learn isn’t just by studying. It’s by experiencing.”
Abuoma Barnabas ONYEKACHI
Class of 2025