Unlocking Potential: The Power of Experiential Learning in Child Development

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December 14, 2023

Written By : Arun Jyothi

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Unlocking Potential: The Power of Experiential Learning in Child Development

“Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.’’- John Dewey

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING – Learning by doing

Learning is a dynamic journey that unfolds through experiences, enhancing performance and laying the foundation for continuous growth. At the heart of this transformative process lies Experiential Learning—an approach centred on active participation and thoughtful reflection. In the context of childhood education, children are natural explorers, absorbing knowledge through observation, listening, questioning, and hands-on experiences. In this blog, we delve into the significance of Experiential Learning for children, emphasising the vital role it plays in fostering genuine interest, motivation, and engagement.

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DREAMTIME LEARNING HUB

The DREAMTIME LEARNING HUB, located in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, is a unique place with a natural environment offering EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. The Dreamtime Learning Hub engages learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values. By incorporating diverse methods such as listening, reading, researching, inquiry, and experimentation, it caters to various preferences, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable learning experience. Experiential Learning offered here facilitates understanding by connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world applications, making the learning process meaningful and relevant and offering purposeful engagement and motivation. The various inclusions in the daily rhythm provide a fertile ground for cultivating inquisitive minds and propels learners to ask questions, seek answers, and explore solutions, thereby fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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#Alternativeschools #Collaborativelearning #Communitysupport #Criticalthinking #Educationreform #Flexiblecurriculum #Futureofeducation #Hands-onlearning #Personalizedlearning #Problemsolving #Projectbasedlearning #Studentcenteredlearning

The learners take ownership of their learning by setting goals and working towards them with the help of their Cheerleaders (Teachers), who facilitate guidance, resources and a conducive learning environment. The Dreamtime Learning Hub believes in a transdisciplinary approach to teaching, integrating new learning techniques and experiences to prepare learners for the future, which demands adaptability and empathy. This philosophy makes Dreamtime Learning Hub an experiential, engaging, joyful, and collaborative environment. The Maker’s Space at Dreamtime Learning Hub is a creative studio and workshop area where a mixed-age group of learners comes together to generate new ideas and engage and experience hands-on projects. Learning centres like Carpentry, Electronics, circuit building, cooking and baking, radio jockey, building and programming robots, designing and 3D printing objects, creating educational videos, crafting and sewing projects allow learners to learn through their experiences and experiments.

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Within a Child-Friendly environment, learning extends far beyond the traditional confines of a classroom, taking shape in the form of carefully curated spaces, seamlessly blending education with the wonders of nature. Two key areas, the PET ZONE and GARDENING AREA, serve as dynamic extensions of our classrooms, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and discovery. Through these interactions, children learn empathy, compassion, and essential caregiving skills and forge connections with other living beings. As children actively participate in caring for the garden, they gain insight into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of responsible resource management. The incorporation of water recycling techniques aligns with our commitment to instilling values of reuse and recycling. By nurturing plants and observing their life cycles, learners not only develop a green thumb but also internalise the significance of preserving and respecting the environment and displaying environmental stewardship.

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BEYOND CLASSROOM

Dreamtime Learning Hub offers learners with LEARNING EXCURSIONS (Field Trips) to relevant places to experience different processes, people, production, labs, etc., which strengthens their acquired knowledge and sparks curiosity for future learning. Expert parents from the school community contribute their time to educate learners on various topics.

Dreamtime Learning Hub is the ideal place for enthusiastic learners who need to grow as reflective learners and adaptive thinkers excited about learning. This reflective practice deepens their understanding, allows them to make connections between theory and practice, and sets the stage for continuous improvement and growth. They will thus emerge as media literate, imaginative and emotionally intelligent future citizens of the world, striving to make the world a peaceful and better place to live.

In the realm of childhood education, Experiential Learning stands as a powerful catalyst for unlocking a child’s potential. By embracing a holistic approach that combines exploration, diverse learning methods, purposeful engagement, and reflective practices, educators and parents can pave the way for a lifelong love for learning. As children actively participate in the learning journey, understanding the ‘why’ behind their studies, they not only enhance their performance but also lay the groundwork for continuous curiosity, growth, and success.

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Unlocking Potential: The Power of Experiential Learning in Child Development

“Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.’’- John Dewey