New Beginnings High School Explores the Power of Experiential Learning

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In truth, there are many modalities related to teaching, each offering different levels of efficacy and complementary benefits.

In the view of New Beginnings High School, experiential learning has the power to drive engagement and provide valuable tools for students. But what are the different types of experiential learning, exactly, and what can they offer?

Different Types of Experiential Learning

What sets experiential learning apart from traditional academic instruction is that learning is accomplished through doing. At New Beginnings High School in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Fort Meade, this could occur through several approaches, including project-based learning and hands-on learning. These methodologies benefit students in several key ways.

Project-Based Learning

As the name suggests, project-based learning is a form of instruction that helps students learn through projects that allow them to fully explore a topic. Through these investigations, they can gain insights and personal meaning. Students conduct research, develop themes, and present what they’ve learned to teachers and peers in a variety of formats (e.g., written, oral, or cinematic).

This student-centered approach to learning allows for creativity and helps to develop open-ended problem-solving skills. It provides a platform for greater engagement and self-driven approaches to learning that can assist students in more fully understanding a topic and connecting the dots to real-world applications.

Hands-On Learning

This type of learning is already accepted and expected for certain subjects, such as conducting science experiments or reciting poems or prose in English or literature courses. Taking it to the next level could be as simple as having students write their own poems, stories, or journals.

Hands-on learning might also entail historical reenactments to more fully engage with history lessons, mock trials for a government course, or fieldwork assignments for philosophy or social studies. This style involves active engagement, which can drive cognitive development and investment in the learning process.

Benefits of Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is just one method of teaching that helps enhance and reinforce more traditional modalities. It allows students to fully engage with subjects and often improves interest, understanding, and retention.

Immersive lessons may include project-based learning, hands-on approaches, and more. These provide a great way for students to gain practical experience that fuels real-world applications.

About New Beginnings High School

Launched in 2011, New Beginnings High School is a non-traditional charter school based in Central Florida that offers personalized academic options for students aged 15-24 who want to earn their high school diploma. New Beginnings High School in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Fort Meade serves over 1,000 students.

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