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 opportunities to explore careers 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 real-world settings and tackle real-world issues and problems while gaining practical skills and credentials. Students leave the school building and enter the community 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, culminating in Walkabout, The Graham School's capstone experiential learning program.