“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” - O. Fred Donaldson
To ensure that children have ample opportunities to learn, we have created more opportunities to play.
In the constant quest to whet our teaching pedagogies, Learner Circle has added an exciting new angle to our curriculum. The need to engage children more proactively into learning arises, especially post pandemic implications. We have added the Experiential learning experience to our plethora of learning pedagogies. The good news is that it’s not only for children. It’s also for adults. Why?
“In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
That’s right! Learning is a continuous process to help individuals adapt, change and grow.
Experiential learning is a golden opportunity for adults to explore, experiment and evolve.
Learner Circle is at the forefront of this big change in the way learning occurs across all age groups. If we stop learning, if we stop thinking, then creativity and knowledge will die. Therefore, it is imperative as adults to constantly seek new ways to learn and new ways to grow. Because the kids are watching.
“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” -Leo F. Buscaglia
Experiential learning lessons are primarily designed outside the classroom. There is an inherent understanding that the students actively engage in learning by doing. This process of learning involves reflection while being able to complete tasks hands-on.
How does experiential learning work?
Examples of experiential learning include group work in and out of the classroom, open ended discussions and field trips for conservation.
This is not a new concept and has been tried in the field of education for years now. It has been known by other names like flexible learning, community service, service learning or community engagement. In this type of learning, the teacher plays the role of a facilitator. As the learning takes place, the student is guided and any issues with learning are addressed immediately.
How do you know if experiential learning will be an impactful pedagogy?
Experiential learning can make a significant impact on the learning curve if it is well curated taking into consideration the dynamics of the classroom and the students. A well-designed experiential learning session can have an outstanding combination of reflection, learning, understanding, and doing. All these aspects are interdependent, fostering critical thinking and understanding of complex concepts.
It will serve educators well to explore meaningful experiential learning experiences with a balance of application and academics.
Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold. Joseph Chilton Pearce
Benefits of Experiential Learning:
1. Improved Learning Outcomes
In traditional learning models, the teacher is the central focus but in experiential learning the focus shifts to the learner. This pedagogy keeps the learner more engaged thereby involving all the senses. This develops skills and knowledge through real experiences consequently improving learning outcomes.
2. It makes teaching more effective
When experiential learning is incorporated into a curriculum, teachers can provide a positive, progressive, informal learning environment. Here, students will not be afraid to make mistakes, rather the experience would be of valuable learning without negative consequences.
3. It’s a first-hand learning experience
Since it is beyond theory and the classroom, it becomes a first-hand experience. Learners can retain concepts and improve application of knowledge skills. This brings about a distinctive change in the outlook of the learners. Learners become more collaborative, more communicative, more empathetic and improve leadership skills.
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” -Carl Jung
It accelerates learning
The active engagement in the learning process accelerates the learning process dramatically and this also increases learning.
“Do not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by play.” -Plato
The nature of the learning environment plays to the strengths of the individual thereby enhancing personalized overall growth.
“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” – Abraham Maslow
It makes powerful changes in learning outlook
Experiential learning can create powerful changes in perspective and the ability to make a positive impact on the world around. Therefore, learning by doing is considered an enriched platform for deeper learning. It is in fact more than ideal for character development, accelerated learning and development of real-world skills.
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” -Carl Jung
It builds environmental awareness
Experiential learning also builds a deeper understanding of the environment and global issues. Learners become more aware of climate change, poverty and conservation. In collaboration with the community, they will also be able to make meaningful connections between concepts, skills, passion, knowledge and dispositions.
It offers an opportunity for community service
Another impactful experiential learning example is inculcating service learning into the curriculum. Service learning is essentially another form of experiential learning. This element of learning empowers learners and hones their leadership skills. They also begin to understand the implications of real impact within their community.
Conclusion
Learner Circle is excited about experiential learning and the potential it has to evolve to a trending pedagogy. We have planned an exciting experiential learning activity that involves the whole family! Learning is never going to be more fun! Check out our website for more details and register now! Slots are filling in quickly!
