As with all things, how we best learn shifts to accommodate young minds in a continuously evolving society. Only a generation ago, textbooks, workbooks, and handouts were standard tools for disseminating knowledge. By contrast, today’s classroom allows a hands-on/minds-on approach to learning, providing opportunities to better equip students for their future.
A Glimpse of the Benefits
Today, a visit to a school quickly reflects the emphasis on using experiences to teach lessons. By bringing learning to life, something a mere textbook cannot accomplish, students gain real-world insight. They literally apply what is being taught to the tasks at hand, often working in teams to accomplish new skills. Teamwork, leadership, and communication skills are simultaneously learned in the process. These soft skills prepare individuals to become active participants in their career as well as their community. This experiential learning is like an internship for life!
Technology has changed everything, from how we interact, learn, and are entertained. We have become conditioned to absorb information efficiently, anxious for the next video clip or bulleted list to capture our attention. We are a society of shortened attention spans with an appetite for learning through our senses. And experiential learning has become the A+ method for engaging minds formed by today’s sensory-driven, immersive experiences.
This approach helps even the most boring subjects (which differ by individual) become more interesting. The hands-on nature increases the impact of lessons by inspiring curiosity, engagement, and even ownership as students take responsibility for working through projects.
The Outcome of Hands-on Learning
- Students who participated in experiential learning programs report stronger career paths and more community involvement later in life.
- Employers value hands-on experience, including the soft skills it cultivates.
- These initiatives nurture more informed, engaged individuals who are better prepared to be leaders that value innovation, dedication, and inclusivity.
Practice Makes Prepared
Even the youngest learners benefit from the opportunity to see STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) in action. Hands-on lessons have the power to spark a lifelong passion. Working on experiments, visiting a laboratory, or playing games exposes students to challenging concepts in approachable, familiar ways.
Elementary-level students may work with cardboard, popsicle sticks, and construction paper to learn something like the fundamentals of building. Older students may integrate LEDs, batteries, and wires to brainstorm and problem-solve. These STEM tools are referred to as manipulatives because of their ability to be manipulated by students to gain knowledge. They are 3D representations that allow experimentation. As students advance and, eventually, enter the adult world, they have the benefit of personally acquired knowledge, which transcends traditional methods like memorizing facts from a book or reading a hypothesis without seeing it in action.
Experiential learning goes beyond a school building or campus. Opportunities surround us, even as adults. Maker-focused events have increased in popularity over the years, with communities offering a variety to choose from based on interest and need.
Experiential Learning in Our Neighborhood
Our community enjoys many noteworthy programs that are thriving examples of experiential learning. Here are several where kids (and adults) can participate in active learning!
Strive Initiative: This organization empowers Pottstown youth who are in danger of quitting school. They provide mentorships, experiential leadership opportunities, and space where kids can explore their creativity in various media.
Montco 360 Program: This holistic STEM program challenges middle school students beyond the constraints of their classrooms. Selected students are transported to Montco Community College to work in their state-of-the-art STEM facilities.
Challenger Centers: Dozens of centers exist where students can engage in space-themed STEM simulations to inspire through hands-on exploration and discovery. Pottstown is fortunate to have a center in Montco Community College!
Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center: This experiential early education center is celebrated for inspiring kids to love the pursuit of knowledge. Learning is fun when “disguised” as play.
Green Allies: This organization cultivates future leaders by engaging older students in sustainability projects. They enjoy firsthand experience in environmental stewardship, leadership, and civic engagement.
Libraries, museums, and community gardens are other impressive resources for experiential learning. Students of all ages and stages of life can tackle new things through hands-on learning. Check local listings and roll up your sleeves. You are never too old to engage your inner student and become a lifelong learner.
