A student will learn more about a subject if he does an activity which teaches that particular concept, rather than reading about it in a textbook. Math concepts are better taught when students engage in activities which teach adding or subtracting; language skills when there are group activities, drama, debate, role-playing within classes. Students do not feel bored and participate in the activities. If there is too much focus on books and the knowledge of the teacher, students may become inattentive and disinterested.
Activities within the learning process put different personalities together in a classroom and invite communication, cooperation and progression. Students learn to help and assist each other and learn from each other during the activities. Group work and projects are some activities where students learn together, building confidence and spirit. Students discover hidden talents and from the activities learn more about themselves as well as the topic that is being taught. Activities develop personalities.
Activities work well for subjects that involve experiments and hands-on learning; activities may not be possible or desirable in social sciences, where too much focus on activities can be time consuming. The lecture method or discussion method may work best in some subjects where students need to build a strong foundation of knowledge. While activities may help small children, it may frustrate older students who need more thought provoking, analytical debates or discussions to develop the mind.
Activities within learning work best when every single student is involved, and each child is learning from the activity. It requires perfect planning and execution on the part of the teacher. In a classroom, however, such an ideal scene may not present itself: groups may become exclusive and shy students, or those who have not completely understood the concept being taught, may get left behind or feel left out. Activities need to be monitored meticulously by a teacher.