Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is all about learning by doing. Students K–12+ get opportunities to try new things, connect with the world outside of school, and see how what they’re learning in class actually matters. These experiences can happen in school or out in the community, in person or online.

Some examples include:

• Outdoor programs

• Project-based learning or action projects

• Job shadowing or job twinning

• Field trips and guest speakers

• Work experience and co-op programs
  
  

The goal is to help students explore their interests, develop skills, and get a taste of different careers while learning about themselves.

The experiential learning cycle includes the following three steps:

Participate (What?)
Students jump into an experience and pay attention to what they’re doing, thinking, and feeling.

Reflect (So what?)
Students look back on the experience to figure out what they learned about themselves, others, or the world.

Apply (Now what?)
Students think about how this learning will shape their choices, goals, or actions in the future, and what they’d do differently next time.