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Curriculum Framework

Experiential Learning

  Draft – The information on this page is under review.

Overview

Experiential learning is learning through experience, trial-and-error, and reflection. Learners practise perseverance in the learning cycle through taking learning risks, making mistakes, and applying corrective feedback. Learning through experiences can be community-based, grounded in skill building, and a part of career preparation and development (i.e., the journey through life, learning, and work).

Elements

Experiential learning activities allow learners to engage in concrete learning through the direct experience of observing, learning, or performing work and learning tasks in the workplace, during or outside of school hours, online, or in the community. This type of learning allows learners to reflect personally and expand their areas of interest. It provides opportunities to explore various career options, increase knowledge, and develop skills and attitudes that will enable learners to contribute positively to their community.

Learning is achieved through experience, trial-and-error, and reflection. Learners practise perseverance in the learning cycle through taking learning risks, making mistakes, and applying corrective feedback. Curricular-based learning through experiences can be community-based, grounded in skill building, and a part of career preparation and personal development.

In experiential learning, learners engage in a concrete experience that is connected to the world around them (e.g., organizing a vote on an important topic, developing a scientific observation, or using a recipe to bake). They have the opportunity to demonstrate agency in their world and are impacted from the experience.

When successfully engaged in experiential learning, learners:

  • Can articulate why they are engaged in the authentic experiential learning activity and the connections between their learning and the world around them (classroom, school, and/or larger community);
  • Progress through the different stages (conceptualization, application, activity, and reflection) of the experiential learning cycle of knowing, doing, and being;
  • Have voice and choice in the planning and demonstration of their learning/projects with access to their teacher and other resources to support their learning goals; and
  • Participate in a final reflection and sharing of the experience and lessons learned.

Tools

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