Experiential learning is one of the best ways to achieve academic success and holistic development of the student. It encourages school children to explore and relate theoretical details to real-world know-how that nurtures learners with practical skills. Moreover, this approach to learning also builds social and emotional intelligence skills. Here at Sitalakshmi school, we have taken steps to implement various Experiential Learning methods that ensure all-around growth for our student population. Here are a few insights into how we achieve it.
1.A modern computer lab to impart contemporary skills
In the 21st century, regardless of what career path any student chooses, computer literacy is an important skill set required in any workflow today. Digital skills at large are the minimum necessary to thrive in any facet of occupation, which is why we pay great attention to the technological advancement of our learners.
Right from the moment they join our ranks, students receive consistent computer literacy lessons. These help them not just to prepare for board examinations, but also in many other ways as well, namely:
- Allowing students to test out classroom theories in real life
- Improving online safety skills for children in a highly risky internet age
- Enhancing a learner’s ability to carry out research and more
Overall, we work to equip our students with the technological foundation to pursue the dreams of their careers and have ready skills that they’ll need to succeed when they even land a job.
2.Interactive lessons that encourage student-centered learning
Learning is often a uni-channel affair in many high schools today. Learners sit attentively, hanging on to the teacher’s every word, quiet from start to finish. That’s not a good way to go about things, as this can adversely affect concept retention and even learning skills.
To implement Experiential Learning in schools, we have devised an interactive learning approach that encourages student engagement and involvement. Some of the ways we have inculcated student-centered learning techniques into our school include:
- Explicit instruction sections to ensure more active participation
- Open-ended questioning approaches to build problem-solving
- Student-lead group projects to appreciate diversity and afford growth opportunities
- Self-paced assignments that meet the needs of each student
These are just but a few of the several tactics we put to work to ensure that our learners aren’t bystanders, but are instead actively involved in the process.
3.Incorporation of strategic experiential learning activities
To empower our students even more, Sitalakshmi Girls High School has introduced several Experiential Learning activities to match the needs and interests of our learners. One particular approach that has particularly caught on is the use of a mnemonic.
We challenge our students to form groups and create songs and rhymes around key concepts. They can then exchange these mnemonics in class with their peers, with everyone contributing to the process. This works to reinforce ideas, making learning more fun while encouraging internal reflection toward comprehending the underlying concepts.
Other Experiential Learning activities we also implore cover:
- Field trips that demonstrate theory in action in outdoor settings
- Community work such as tree planting
- Carrying out experiments in our advanced science labs to prove classroom concepts
Overall, every activity we enact is geared toward ensuring that our student body learns by doing as opposed to theory alone.
4.Mock debates to explore real-world issues
Our school hall is accustomed to regular events and festivals. We understand the power of debates in polishing up problem-solving and critical thinking skills, among other important skill sets that students need to thrive in the real world.
Here’s a little more on how debates can help in learning, the Experiential way:
- Enabling students to comprehend and deal with alternative viewpoints
- Improve thought structuring among learners
- Enhancing self-confidence and real-world leadership skills
- Building public speaking knowhow and self-esteem
Moreover, these debates also ensure our students master speech delivery and poise. They build leadership skills in young learners so they can become able leaders of tomorrow.
5.Updated library for keeping up with current affairs
A key part of implementing Experiential Learning in classrooms also encompasses keeping students up-to-date with the happenings in the modern world. To ensure that, Sitalakshmi offers a regularly updated library. We subscribe to the latest journals and magazines to that effect, ensuring students can stay ahead of the curve.
In addition to reinforcing reading and comprehension skills, our library also works to complement our curriculum with auxiliary research and knowledge. The library provides support for our STEM subjects, providing supplementary practical knowledge while creating a healthy community of learners.
Additionally, the library enables our students to explore a diversity of interests, which is key in helping them settle on a specific discipline for potential career choices.
6.Imploration of sports as a tool for Experiential Learning
Here at Sitalakshmi school, we also have many extra-curricular programs to help discover and nurture our students’ skills beyond the classroom. These field exercises- namely table tennis, volleyball, kho kho & more- boost physical and mental health, while cultivating hands-on skills as well.
Aside from sports, our school also offers music and sewing, niches we have incorporated into our mainstream curriculum. These subjects allow students to improve fine motor skills while learning to be good at using their hands and creativity to create items from scratch.
But that’s not all. We also have a range of clubs that students can join to get that sense of community while furthering their interests and passions in the real world. One of the most notable units is the Red Cross, where students can learn life-saving skills that come in handy when faced with emergencies.
Moreover, we also have other clubs such as:
- GUIDE
- NGC
- NCC
Our clubs regularly take part in competitions, sometimes traveling across states to further expand their horizons.
Experiential learning is the way to go
We often get asked why Sitalakshmi School prioritizes this unique approach to learning. Over years of implementation, we have found that this strategy beats conventional learning mechanisms. It gets students to be more invested in their academics while improving their attitude toward school and imparting practical skills. Moreover, experiential learning allows our learners’ creativity to fly high, and it has played a huge role in helping us reach the heights we have thus far in academics.