By: Morgan Macklin
In the dynamic realm of education, traditional teaching methods are evolving to make room for more engaging and impactful approaches. Amongst this diverse landscape of educational methods, experiential learning stands out as a powerful catalyst for both personal and academic growth. This blog delves into the concept of experiential learning, highlighting its proven effectiveness and its pivotal role in shaping Impact Society's innovative curriculum.
definition
“Experiential education is a teaching philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people's capacity to contribute to their communities.”
the benefits of learning through experiences
Experiential learning brings a new and exciting element to the classroom in a way that engages diverse learning styles while ensuring long term impact. Through experiential learning, students participate in critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, resulting in increased academic success. Students not only comprehend concepts intellectually but also develop a connection between theory and practice. This unique interaction between an educator and student helps create a positive attitude towards learning because students are more likely to thrive in an active learning role if they are exposed to an authentic experience.
Studies suggest that experiential learning activities not only solidify conceptual knowledge but promote development of personal qualities and competencies as well. This prepares youth to adapt to changes, better navigate adversity, and enhance organization skills. Furthermore, this form of learning gives the educator a better understanding of the difficulties or advantages students may face. Therefore, educators can adjust teaching methods to promote students' gifts and abilities, overall, enhancing the bond between students and teachers.
our vision
Impact Society, known for its Heroes Programs, highlights experiential learning as the key to participant success. By integrating academic knowledge with hands-on experiences, students build confidence, character, and integrity, leading them to live a life with purpose. This teaching style is a direct link to Impact Society’s proven ability to increase long term resilience, mental health, and wellbeing.
fear fight: a dive into vulnerability
A concrete example of experiential learning within Impact Society's curriculum is the Fear Fight exercise. In this immersive activity, students share their intrinsic fears anonymously on a piece of paper. Each student then crumples up their paper into a ball and is asked to throw them around the room. Students are then split into groups and asked to read aloud the fears they picked up.
Regardless of the ethnic or socioeconomic diversity within the room, common themes present themselves. Whether it's a fear of failure or fear of losing a loved one, the recurring themes create a rippling effect of empathy and understanding of one another. This vulnerability bonds classmates and creates a safe environment for students to thrive. Fear fight is just one example of how Heroes uses experiential learning to go beyond what textbooks ever could, by touching the core of human experiences.
embracing the future of education
As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, experiential learning invites us to embrace a future where knowledge is a living experience. Impact Society's commitment to this methodology reflects a dedication to shaping resilient individuals ready to navigate the complex world. The journey into experiential learning is not just a paradigm shift; it's a practical revolution, and Impact Society is at the forefront.
Book a complementary discovery call today to learn more about how Heroes can transform your students!