Before understanding the importance of experiential learning, it is vital to be acquainted with the concept. It is a process followed by top Singapore private school to engage young learners in practical experiences that helps them better relate the theories they’ve learned in the classroom to the real world.
Experiential learning is about discovering, experiencing, exploring, creating, and networking with the world and people. It applies to both young learners and adults.
Schools in Singapore provide experiential learning opportunities to their young learners in various courses.
How does experiential Learning help young learners?
Experiential learning is unstructured and does not constrain young learners with rules, time limits, and micromanaging. It transcends learning facts and figures in a classroom setting and involves getting hands-on experience through experiments. With the teacher’s supervision, this form of learning empowers the young learner to learn naturally at their pace and terms.
Experiential learning aids young learners “to think” independently and make informed decisions. This improves their sense of confidence as it lends a sense of accomplishment.
Experiential learning is not restricted to a school or classroom. It can be learned during play dates, at home, on family vacations, etc.
How can one leverage experiential learning?
A young learner can get involved in experiential learning through simple activities that do not require time and effort. For instance, germination can be taught by allowing young learners to plant seeds in a pot and watch the plant grow. This is a more engaging way of understanding the process rather than simply reading about it in books.
Importance of Experiential Learning
1. Experiential learning helps to pursue genuine interests.
Each child has a distinct set of interests, likes, and dislikes. Experiential learning gives them a chance to pursue what they like and become accomplished in precisely that. It is a fantastic tool to facilitate in-depth learning and help young learners understand topics of interest and the world through practical activities.
2. Teach young learners about the concept of failures and how to deal with them
Experiential learning requires a young learner to understand failure and find ways to deal with it. When young learners start learning, they encounter several hindrances due to limited knowledge and experience. Experiential learning teaches them to fail and bounce back stronger and more resilient. They learn to overcome challenges on their own which makes them feel proud.
3. Experiential learning teaches collaboration.
Experiential learning is wider than gathering knowledge and experiencing new things. It also focuses on collaboration as young learner study, work, and play with other young learners and, in the process, develops strategies to attain a common goal. They put their brains together, defend their ideas, and apply creative approaches to find solutions.
4. Allows kids to explore themselves
Experiential learning allows young learners to learn about themselves through exploration and trying new things. They get to discover what they like doing and what they are good at by venturing out of their comfort zones and trying new things.
5. Inculcates problem-solving skills
This is a critical skill that goes a long way; experiential learning provides a brilliant chance to learn how to problem-solve. Through trial and error, young learners learn to overcome complications and determine the best course of action. This skill is vital in various facets of life.
6. Helps Develop a growth mindset:
Young learners who are exposed to the experiential way of learning develop a growth mindset. They face challenging situations and difficulties and persist rather than give up. Such kids do not give up when the going gets tough. They have a problem-solving, resilient, and growth mentality.
7. Stimulates critical thinking and creativity
Experiential learning boosts creativity and develops problem-solving skills in young learners. Since they are not micro-managed and are given a safe space to think for themselves, their creative side gets unleashed. With no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ method, they think critically and find the most creative way of doing things and solving problems. Any school in Singapore that advocates experiential learning permits young learners to test their theories and look for ways to apply their knowledge.
8. Promotes love for learning
Experiential learning allows young learners to embrace learning passionately, ensuring learning is enjoyable and engaging. Experiential learning inspires young learners to keep learning even after their classes end, resulting in lifelong learning, a crucial skill to have throughout their lives.
9. Develops life skills
Young learners can gain special life skills through experiential learning. Problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork, leadership qualities, effective communication, and critical thinking are a few of these abilities that are key for real-life scenarios. Young learners’ self-confidence and self-esteem, too, strengthen with experiential learning.
To conclude, it is imperative to realize that everyone is moving toward a highly creative and diverse world where creativity and effective communication are key. Today’s world has surpassed bookish knowledge and mere technical skills. Today knowledge gained from experience is a real cherished asset. A child needs to be exposed to experiential learning right from primary school in Singapore because learning the great things in life should start for kids at a young age.