At OBC, we measure our success by the accomplishments of our students. We support you and take pride in your success. To do this, we offer a variety of programs across the industries of healthcare, business, trades, and truck driving. OBC is committed to offering a career-focused curriculum and support services throughout your journey to a new career. We recognize the importance of diverse employee and student populations. OBC also provides technology and instruction that reflects the ever-changing and always-in-demand business and healthcare industries. One way we support you in the educational process is with hands-on learning.

What is Hands-On Learning?

Hands-on learning is experiential and immersive. It allows you to play an active role in the learning process. You participate by completing tasks, and prove theories rather than only participating in a passive manner.

What is OBC’s Approach to Hands-On Learning?

Since 1903, OBC has been preparing students for success in the workforce. This includes extensive classroom lectures and real-world experience attained through hands-on learning. OBC believes in:

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is the process of learning by doing. This allows you to immerse yourself in the learning process. You learn tactfully and actively. It helps you connect the theory you learn during classroom lectures with the practical application of the trade you will perform. With experiential learning, you engage through multiple styles, which include:

Visual – learning visually and absorbing information through pictures, videos, and charts.

Auditory – active listening and hearing what is happening during the learning process. This can include watching lectures or training videos.

Reading & Writing – reading and writing to understand and remember important aspects of the curriculum. This helps reinforce your learning content, offering better recall when it is time to complete hands-on training.

Kinesthetic – the hands-on learning element. You participate in the learning process.

Experiential learning combines all four types of learning to create a complete learning experience. OBC offers a mix of methods to communicate material that you will need to succeed in your new trade.

Why is Hands-On Learning Important?

There are many benefits to hands-on learning and reasons why it is essential to student success. Some of the benefits include:

Increased Engagement

It is easier to stay engaged when you use your tactile senses. In addition to classroom lectures, hands-on learning allows you to stay focused on the task, engaged, and attentive to the instructor’s lesson.

Increased Motivation

No one likes to sit through a boring lecture for hours, trying to memorize facts and follow logic. Although some classroom lectures are important, they should be coupled with hands-on learning. You will have more enjoyment that will help motivate you to learn.

Increased Retention

With better engagement from hands-on learning, you can listen and analyze while simultaneously visualizing the process. This offers you better recall when it is time to perform your trade in the real world.

Confidence

Hands-on learning is essential because it builds confidence. After graduation, you will begin working in a fast-paced environment that demands exactness and efficiency, and hands-on learning reinforces those skills. It also stores the skills in your long-term memory for later use when you start working on the job.

Real Results

With hands-on learning, you will create something tangible. Whether you are fixing an HVAC system or performing phlebotomy, your actions will produce real results that you can see and comprehend. Plus, when you do something well, it is much more satisfying.

Quick and Complete Comprehension

When you put your classroom theory to the test with hands-on learning, you learn the knowledge and skills faster through repetition, reinforcement, and with immediate feedback. Active learning allows you to move your hands, think critically, and, best of all, make mistakes. When you make mistakes, instructors can use those mistakes as learning experiences. Plus, once you make a mistake, you will be less likely to do it again. A hands-on learning environment is a safe place to learn and grow; our instructors are ready to support you throughout the learning process.

Muscle Memory

Have you ever learned how to type? You begin by picking one letter at a time. Before you know it, you are typing 40 words a minute. It is like riding a bicycle: once you learn the skills, your muscles remember how to perform the task. This is the same for electrical applications, HVAC maintenance, and truck driving, for example. Once you learn how to do something using your hands, your brain will create connections that will improve your physical dexterity.

Better Performance 

Did you know that students in hands-on programs perform 20% higher than those in traditional programs? Studies show that experiential learning is important to increase comprehension and student achievement.

Why Choose OBC?

In addition to hands-on learning, there are many additional benefits to attending OBC. These benefits include:

A Quick Start

Most trade programs at OBC can be completed in months rather than years. We teach you what you need to succeed in your new trade. No classes on 13^th Century Literature, just the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the workforce.

Accreditation

OBC is fully accredited and meets the standards set by occupational industry governing bodies. The organizations that grant accreditation to our degrees and diplomas include the Council on Occupational Education. The Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and the Ohio Department of Higher Education accredits the Applied Business program.

Flexible Schedules

Our flexible scheduling allows you to manage your responsibilities while pursuing an education. We understand that you have other responsibilities and want to offer you a flexible way to complete your education.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The Financial Aid staff will help you fill out your FAFSA and remind you of the critical deadlines that you need to file on time.

Industry Experienced Instructors

At OBC, you learn valuable skills from our industry-experienced instructors. Our instructors have been in your shoes and know what you need to succeed. OBC provides quality education through knowledgeable and caring faculty in an ethical and respectful environment.

Small Class Sizes

With our small class sizes, you will receive guidance from our instructors throughout your program. You won’t be just another face in the crowd of a large lecture hall. OBC offers small class sizes so you can get personalized attention and form lifelong bonds with fellow students. It is a great way to network so you have an outlet for opportunity later in your career.

Professional Success

At OBC, we pride ourselves on our campuses being friendly, professional learning environments that improve your chances for professional success. Whether you have just graduated from high school or are an adult seeking a career change, OBC will do everything possible to prepare you for a life-long career.

A Military-Friendly College

OBC cares about the brave men and women in uniform who serve our great nation. To show our appreciation, we offer many benefits to military personnel, both current and former. We provide military benefits to veterans, active duty, and their spouses and dependents. Some military experience can translate into credits that help you graduate quickly. OBC also offers a veteran resource section with access to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, State of Ohio Veterans Benefits, Ohio GI Promise, Ohio Department of Veteran Services, and Military.com.

Career Services

A great benefit to attending a trade program at OBC is the career services that we offer to our graduates. We help you build a solid resume, prepare for interviews, and match you with jobs you are passionate about. Employers in the community look to OBC for highly trained candidates to take on essential roles in their organizations. Make the right connections with our help and enjoy a rewarding career at the same time. It’s a win-win.

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in a trade program, let OBC answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our trade programs.