The Graham Difference: Experiential Learning
In its most basic definition, experiential learning is learning by doing. It is a process by which learners gain knowledge and acquire skills through critically reflecting on a direct experience. Through reflection, the learner connects new knowledge to past experience, finds insightful patterns through analyzing the experience, and applies those new discoveries to everyday life situations. This leads to a change in thinking and behavior when encountering the next experience, whether in or out of the classroom.
The Experiential Program's purpose is to provide students with research, teaching, and/or service learning experiences in community organizations and businesses - experiences that will enable students to discover and develop confidence in their ability to engage in productive and significant work and to foster a tangible commitment to the community in which they live.
The Graham School's Experiential Program offers students the opportunity to enter into a real-world setting and tackle real-world issues and problems. Students leave the school building and enter the community to offer their talents and helping hands while the community offers students the chance to learn about opportunities and challenges in a work and educational environment.
The Graham School's Experiential Program requires its students to demonstrate increasing responsibility, independence and self-direction. During the 2nd semester of their 11th grade year, eligible students will have the opportunity to try an internship or other site experience. This opportunity is also available during the first semester of 12th grade, and finally all 12th grade students participate in Walkabout, The Graham School's capstone experiential learning program.