Participatory Learning Practices and Life Skills Development among Prospective Teachers

Abstract The participatory learning aims at comprehensive development of the learners and its strategies are based on experiential learning.Active class participation improves critical and other life skills.Life Skills include psychological competencies and interpersonal skills that help people make informed decision, solve problem, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, empathize with others, and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner.Several studies have been conducted on participatory learning and its role in life skill enhancement.Researches showed that participatory learning impacts educational outcomes and life skills. It is advisable to learn and practice participatory learning strategies by prospective teachers to polish their life skills and in turn help them to develop these life skills among their students in future. The classroom is undergoing a drastic transformation to equip the learners with 21st century skills. Teachers should view participatory learning as a challenge and equip themselves with varied aspects of participatory learning to meet the changing needs and trends of education.So faculty development program should be arranged for teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills on different innovative approaches. Along with faculty development program, teachers also need to enhance their skills. Various skill development programs should also be arranged for teachers and prospective teachers. Teachers and prospective teachers should be given proper training to life skill education and to use participatory learning activities and approaches in the classroom. Key Words- Participatory Learning, Life Skills