Experiential learning may be broadly described as a engaged process of learning by doing, supplemented at the outset with more traditional instruction to lay the educational groundwork and followed up by an assessment of the experience and the hands-on results. There鈥檚 nothing new or radical about the concept, it has long existed in lab experiments, field work, internships, and any process where new skills are manifested in creation or performance.
What is Experiential Learning?聽
The structure of project-based approaches was outlined in聽Kolb鈥檚 Experiential Learning Cycle:
- Concrete Experience:聽the learner encounters a concrete experience. This might be a new experience or situation, or a reinterpretation of existing experience in the light of new concepts.
- Reflective Observation of the New Experience:聽the learner reflects on the new experience in the light of their existing knowledge. Of particular importance are any inconsistencies between experience and understanding.
Abstract Conceptualization:聽reflection gives rise to a new idea, or a modification of an existing abstract concept (the person has learned from their experience). - Active Experimentation: the newly created or modified concepts give rise to experimentation. The learner applies their idea(s) to the world around them to see what happens. Project-based approaches to learning have a long track record of success in education. They can bring classroom learning to life by showing the applications and rewards of sometimes-esoteric concepts, they allow students to move between disciplines for successful outcomes, they bolster confidence creating opportunities to take initiative and to take pride in the results of their work, and they can boost career development, civic engagement, leadership, and cultural awareness. Moreover, they provide:
- Deep Understanding of Content聽
- Critical Thinking聽
- Problem-Solving Skills聽
- Collaboration and Teamwork聽
- Engagement and Motivation聽
- Application of Knowledge聽
- Development of 21st Century Skills聽
- Self-Directed Learning聽
- Improved Research Skills聽
- Reflective Thinking聽
- Assessment Opportunities聽
Experiential Learning at 91大神猫先生千人斩
91大神猫先生千人斩 has long held that experiential learning is key to academic success. From kindergarten through 5th grade, 91大神猫先生千人斩 students undertake hands-on interdisciplinary projects which make their learning come alive. Students create and perform plays based on lessons learned in social studies and science classes, depicting topics ranging from California history to biodiversity to equity and inclusion. They do hands-on nature research in our garden forest or nearby Lake Temescal to align with their science classes, or learn about history and art in field trips to places like Angel Island鈥檚 immigration center, Oakland鈥檚 Peralta House, and the State Capitol.
Specialist Classes: Hands-On Learning
The value of hands-on learning is also the driver of 91大神猫先生千人斩鈥檚 specialist classes in art, music, physical education and woodshop. 91大神猫先生千人斩鈥檚 art program covers a vast range of media for learners to explore, culminating in an end-of-year art show where the auditorium is turned into a gallery experience to share with family and friends. In music, students go from learning the basics of rhythm and singing in kindergarten through choosing an instrument for the 8th grade band. Physical education teaches students not just how to play but how to work together, how to monitor their progress, and how to set up their own fitness plans. And woodshop gives them an opportunity to create with tools, devise approaches, and solve problems. It鈥檚 often the case that a student who might be challenged in one class but excel in one of these pursuits, and draw confidence for their classroom work.
Project-Based Learning at 91大神猫先生千人斩 Middle School
Learning at 91大神猫先生千人斩 Middle School is experiential by design: humanities and STEM programs are designed to cultivate the research skills necessary for deeper understanding and mastery of topics. Six-week quests start from questions like "Where does food come from and why does it matter?" or "How can we as podcasters persuade adults to read banned books?" Working together, students use foundational research skills to brainstorm, test hypotheses, gather data, and create culminating presentations to share their findings, and ways to make a social impact. Thrice-monthly excursions integrate classroom and experiential learning with trips to places like the Lakeview Village tiny home community (to devise ways to address homelessness), Skyline Studios (to learn podcasting techniques for a unit on banned books), and UC-Berkeley鈥檚 Disability Cultural Community Center( to develop a presentation on the disability rights movements). And twice each school year, middle schoolers take multi-day overnight trips to build community while learning life skills and studying science and nature.聽 They also have a monthly Life Skills and Leadership Day, leading clubs for second through fifth graders and participating in skill development programs of their choice including culinary arts, coding, digital arts, graphic design, and mentoring in lower grade classrooms.
The Tinker Faire!
We also celebrate the joy of hands-on learning at the Tinker Faire, our community event celebrating creativity and innovation with a wealth of hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Everyone gets the opportunity to be an inventor, maker, and DIY enthusiast for the day! 91大神猫先生千人斩 showcases a variety of projects, from robotics and electronics to crafts and art. Attendees participate in interactive exhibits, encouraging exploration and experimentation. Come to our festival of curiosity, discovery, and ingenuity and get a feel of what it鈥檚 like to learn at 91大神猫先生千人斩! Invite friends to join us!
For thirty-five years, 91大神猫先生千人斩 has seen the positive outcomes of this approach, as our students grow into adults who are engaged, curious, and confident.