Experiential Learning Makes Learning Fun!

Do you want young learners to have fun learning? As School Board Members, Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, and Parents – don’t we all!

How do we maximize the potential for young learners to enjoy their learning? The answer is: we expose them to experiential learning environments. In experiential learning environments, young learners have the opportunity to hold their learning in their hands. By allowing young learners to touch and feel their learning we allow them to greatly increase their level of engagement. We can all agree that an engaged young learner has a greater opportunity to succeed.

Too often young learners are asked to learn in a theory only environment. When we connect practice to theory in the learning environment we greatly increase the potential for success. Why is that? The answer is: when exposed to learning by doing, young learners are placed in a setting that spawns critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Not only are these skills immensely important life skills, they are the foundation of learning in the Common Core State Standards.

When exposed to experiential learning environments, young learners are afforded the opportunity to practice and hone these great skills. As the abilities to think critically, solve real problems, and make decisions improve, so does retention and learning. Make learning fun and at the same time position young learners for success – place young learners in experiential learning environments. 

-- Phil Baca, educational consultant, MEREA Consulting, LLC